November 9, 2024, Tampa, FL — At Cheer Kingdom 360, a special gathering took place, bringing together family and friends of Christine Tagle for a meaningful event — a Heartsaver CPR and AED course. The free training session, provided by RC Health Services, was more than just a class; it was a celebration of life and a powerful reminder of the importance of knowing how to save one.
The event was held in honor of Christine’s heroic actions on September 21, when her 5-year-old son, Ernesto, suffered a cardiac arrest while riding the Guardians of the Galaxy ride at EPCOT. As panic set in among the crowd, Christine remained calm, immediately starting CPR on her unresponsive son. Her quick response, combined with the use of an AED by a park cast member, helped save Ernesto’s life. Today, he is a vibrant, healthy boy, playing happily with his friends — a sight that brought tears to many at the event.
For those gathered at Cheer Kingdom 360, the sight of Ernesto laughing and playing with his friends was a deeply emotional one. Just weeks earlier, his family had faced their worst nightmare, fearing the loss of this lively little boy. Now, seeing him run around, full of energy, was a poignant reminder of the importance of CPR training and the life-saving impact it can have.
Throughout the morning, 40 of Christine’s closest friends and family members participated in the American Heart Association CPR and AED training, eager to learn the skills that had made such a difference in Ernesto’s outcome. The room was filled with emotion as the instructor guided participants through each step, emphasizing the importance of immediate action during cardiac emergencies. Attendees practiced CPR techniques on manikins and learned how to use an AED, gaining confidence that they, too, could help save a life if ever faced with a similar situation.
“This course was about more than just learning CPR,” said one attendee. “It was about coming together as a family and a community to support Christine and to celebrate Ernesto’s second chance at life. We all want to be prepared if we’re ever in a position to help someone we love.”
The training session provided a space for healing and connection, as participants shared their own experiences and expressed their gratitude for Christine’s swift actions on that fateful day. Tears flowed freely when Ernesto, unaware of the weight of the moment, ran up to hug his mother during a break, his laughter filling the room with hope.
RC Health Services, the organization that conducted the training, was honored to offer the course free of charge. “This was a special day for everyone involved,” shared Daniel Koziol from RC Health Services. “Seeing Ernesto here, full of life, was incredibly moving. We’re just grateful to be part of this moment and to help equip his family and friends with the knowledge that could one day save another life.”, Robert Chambers, RC Health Services.
The event concluded with heartfelt applause and a group photo, capturing smiles and hugs that spoke volumes. It was a day of learning, yes, but more importantly, it was a celebration of life, resilience, and the incredible bond of a community united by one mother’s heroic act.
“A little over one month ago, our world stopped and then turned on its axis. Every day we are adjusting to this new life, routine and are healing the trauma that comes with seeing your child in a near death experience – but today. Today was a healing day, a day that reminded me that my tribe is so strong, a day of remembrance and hope for the future. 40 beautiful souls got CPR certified, 40 people can now go out and spread the message of the importance of CPR. Today we worked a little harder at increasing that 10% survival and today so many of my people rallied around me, reminded me that they always would be there for us, and that helped heal a little bit of us that’s been hurting ❤️🩹 #all4brother
Thank you, thank you Hedy Chambers and Robert Chambers without you none of this would be possible!”, Christine Tagle.
For many, the memory of Ernesto’s bright smile will serve as a lasting reminder of why learning CPR is so vital. And as Christine prepares to share her story on national television next month, she knows that her family and friends now carry the same life-saving skills that helped bring her son back to life.
To learn more about RC Health Services and the American Heart Association, please visit www.rchealthservices.com
