COLLEGE PARK, Md. —
Few days go by without Sharon Mason thinking about a phone call her daughter Samantha made 15 years ago. It was likely a phone call that saved Sharon’s life.
“To hear that tape, I still get emotional,” Sharon said, referring to a 911 call Samantha made as a 4-year-old.
It was an August day when Sharon, who is diabetic, nearly went into insulin shock. Samantha sensed her mom was in danger and called 911 for help.
“Mommy’s sick,” Samantha said on the call to an operator who quickly dispatched an ambulance to the family’s home.
“Mommy said to help her sugar,” Samantha added.
The call went on for several minutes before help arrived. Sharon got the treatment she needed and survived.
“Now that I’m older, I see the true gravity of [the call],” Samantha said.
At the time, Samantha’s 911 call received national attention. She was the recipient of several accolades and dubbed a “hero in pigtails” for her quick-thinking efforts.
Samantha is currently enrolled at the University of Maryland, College Park where she is studying neuroscience. Samantha credits her mother with helping her get to this point in her life.
“[My mom] is the reason I’ve gotten as far as I have,” Samantha said.
Of course, Sharon is still indebted to her daughter for her actions 15 years ago.
“She’s my best friend,” Sharon said. “I’m her best friend.”
This story is part of WUSA9’s ongoing series “The Heart of It”, which highlights inspiring and emotional stories from the DMV and beyond. If you have a story suggestion for Sean Martinelli, you can email TheHeartOfIt@wusa9.com