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Coleson's Collection for 911

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Like many others, when we first found out we were pregnant we were nearly overwhelmed with excitement and joy as we thought about the love that we would experience as we expand our family. When we found out that we were having a boy it started to feel more real, and the excitement and joy only grew stronger. We decided early on in the pregnancy that he was going to be named Coleson Peter Clair Rodgers, and with that decision our family started to feel more whole than we ever thought possible. 


 
On November 11th, 2017 Crystal went into labor and the contractions and pain intensified very quickly. Crystal was unable to move, the pain became almost unbearable, and the fear that something was wrong grew with every second…so we called for help. Although only seconds, it felt like a life time from the moment that we knew we needed help to the time that I was able to nervously dial 911 and hear the reassuring voice on the other side. During those long few seconds I had every thought imaginable run through my head; 'Will Coleson be OK?', 'Will Crystal be OK?', 'what do I do?', 'How do I stay strong for Crystal who is in incredible pain and scared?'; and then I heard the voice on the other end of the line. The dispatcher went straight to work to focus me, walk me through what I needed to do to help Crystal and Coleson, and assured me that the help we needed was on its way. With every confident and reassuring word she was calming me and preparing me to do what needed to be done until help arrived. 

 
Within minutes I heard the sirens and the hum of the ambulance and fire truck engine out front. The moment of having to leave Crystal and our unborn son Coleson to let them in was terrifying for both Crystal and I, and similar to the call, the few seconds it took to go from the bedroom to the front door felt like a life time. Also, just like when I made the call, hearing the reassuring voice on the other side as I ran to the front door brought the focus back and let us know that help had arrived. It was a whirlwind for me as the EMS and Firefighters made their way into the house and towards Crystal, but seeing that calm, collected, and organized way they moved started to ease the panic and dissipate the shock. 

 
The EMS team came into the bedroom and began to check Crystal out, and calming both of us in the process. I will never forget the moment when the paramedic did the quick exam of Crystal, looked up and calmly said 'OK guys, everything is looking great but we are going to have to do this here'. At that moment, when all of our instincts were telling both Crystal and I that we needed to go into a full out panic, we didn't. We were still worried, nervous, scared, and Crystal was still in severe pain, but what the Paramedics and Firefighters did at the moment when they knew we were not going to make it to the hospital was a moment that I cant explain in words. Without evening having to shoot each other a glance they went to work. Steady hands, calm nerves, confident movements, and planned coordination. For the first time I was able to take a deep breath and realize that we would soon get to meet Coleson, or little boy who we have dreamed of meeting for the past nine months.... eight minutes later Coleson was born. Both him and Crystal were happy and healthy, and all three of us were given a chance to be a family together for the first time. 

 
Although the experience was terrifying, the care and dedication that was shown to the three of us by the team made the experience not only one that everyone came out of healthy, but also one that we will cherish forever. Coleson will be turning one year old on November 11th, and for his birthday we would like to show our support by raising money and awareness in support of mental health for First Responders. The help and care we received that day was above and beyond anyone doing a job, it was a group of people being hero's, and we want to show how much it meant to us by trying to support First Responders when they are in need. 



We have partnered with #ivegotyourback911 to launch a GoFundMe camping to spread awareness and raise money for a great cause. #ivegotyourback911 is a campaign started by dedicated First Responders in an effort to bring forward the mental health challenges that First Responders go through as they provide emergency care when we need it most. Dedicated EMS, Firefighters, and Police Offices put their lives and health, physical and mental, on the line every day. The burden that they bare is challenging. The difficult and impactful tasks that they regularly take on with dedication and passion, and the compassion and commitment that they show to all of us in our times of need is nothing short of heroic.




Help us show our support by giving back to First Responders some of what they have given us…assurance that help is on its way and that we are not alone in our time of need. Please thank and support these dedicated hero’s by donating to the Coleson’s Collection for 911 campaign and visiting www.ivegotyourback911.com  to learn more about this great cause and how to help spread awareness.

Make sure to share this across social media, and include #ivegotyourback911 to show your support!

Organizer

Crystal Rodgers
Organizer
St.-Thomas, ON

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