In 1981, a three-pound baby was born prematurely in San Clemente, CA--and given a 50-50 chance of pulling through. Luckily for the newborn, his pediatrician was Dr. Michael Shannon. Dr. Shannon stayed by the baby's side in the hospital until he was certain the infant was healthy. It took some time, but the baby boy was eventually discharged and went home.
Jump ahead 30 years. Dr. Shannon was in his SUV when a truck crashed into it. As the car burst into flames, Dr. Shannon was pinned by the wreckage, unable to escape. Firefighters rushed to the rescue, and eventually they were able to get Dr. Shannon out using the Jaws of Life.
But it wasn't until the two men got to the hospital that they discovered their connection. One of the first responders who risked his life to save Dr. Shannon was none other than Chris Trokey--the premature baby whom Dr. Shannon had saved in 1981.
Dr. Shannon and Trokey got reacquainted during the pediatrician's 45-day stay at the hospital. When Trokey's son was born, he became a patient of Dr. Shannon's too.
Watch the video below to see how the two men continue to save lives--this time of the youngest cancer patients.
Click on THIS LINK to read more (below) and watch a video
Two men who helped save each others lives 30 years apart were reunited Sunday at a fundraiser for childhood cancer research.
Exactly four years ago, on March 29, 2011, Dr. Michael Shannon was driving on Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point when a semi-truck T-boned his SUV, pinning his vehicle underneath the truck as it caught fire.
Firefighters from Paramedic Engine 29 were returning from another call and responded within minutes to the fiery crash.
By the time they arrived, Shannon's vehicle was also ablaze and the flames were burning his legs. Fire crews then worked to extinguish the flames and rescue him using the Jaws of Life.
The seriously injured Shannon was taken to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo where he spent the next 45 days recovering from internal injuries. He also had to have two of his toes amputated.
Among those who had helped save Shannon that day was Orange County Fire Authority paramedic Chris Trokey, whose own life had been saved 30 years earlier by the pediatrician.
"I didn't know about until I went to the hospital and started talking about it, Dr. Shannon. And I was like, 'Oh my gosh, Dr. Shannon?'" Trokey recalled on Sunday. "That's when I found out."
Trokey was just 3.2 pounds at birth, and doctors had initially gave him a 50/50 chance at surviving. But his pediatrician -- Dr. Shannon -- helped save his life, staying with the infant around the clock until his health improved and he was stable.
"It's amazing to watch them all grow up, but to have one come back in your life, on a day you really need it, that's really incredible," Shannon said.
On Sunday, the two met up again for a good cause, both shaving off their hair to raise money to potentially help save others live.
"It's a great feeling, and now he's my son's pediatrician," Trokey said.
According to Shannon, 30 heads were shaved and $12,000 was raised at the fundraiser benefiting St. Baldrick's charity.
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