Bay Area teen survives cardiac arrest, now advocating for heart health

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[ANCHOR INTRO - HEATHER HOLMES] "A Bay Area teenager who beat the odds after surviving a sudden cardiac arrest is now using her second chance at life to help others. Just thirteen years old when she collapsed in her classroom back in September, Heather Freligh has quickly turned into a passionate advocate for heart health.

Over the weekend, she spoke at the Heart Ball in Sacramento, helping to raise an incredible $250,000 for the American Heart Association. In addition, Heather and the classmates who jumped into action to save her life were officially recognized by the '911 for Kids Foundation.'

Joining us now live in the studio is Heather Freligh, alongside her father Derek, and her friend McKenna Adamo—one of the brave young women who sprang into action that day. Thank you all so much for being here with us."

[HEATHER HOLMES] "Heather, I want to start with you. When you look back at what happened in September, and now seeing yourself standing on stage raising a quarter of a million dollars for heart health, what goes through your mind?"

[HEATHER FRELIGH - SURVIVOR] "It honestly feels surreal. When it first happened, I didn't entirely realize how serious it was or how rare it is to survive something like this. But being at the Heart Ball and seeing so many people come together to support this cause—it made me realize that I have a purpose now. I want to use my voice to make sure schools are safer for kids like me."

[HEATHER HOLMES] "McKenna, let's talk about that day in the classroom. You're sitting there, a normal school day, and suddenly your friend collapses. Walk us through what happened and what made you realize you needed to act immediately."

[MCKENNA ADAMO - CLASSMATE] "It was terrifying because everything happened so fast. Heather just slumped over, and we knew right away something was terribly wrong. It wasn't like she just fainted. Our instincts just kind of kicked in. We knew we had to get help immediately, so we alerted the teacher and made sure 911 was called right away. You don't really think about being brave in that moment; you just think about saving your friend."

[HEATHER HOLMES] "And thankfully, your principal rushed in and started CPR, which made all the difference. Derek, as a parent, getting that phone call is every mother and father's absolute worst nightmare. What was going through your mind, and how has this changed your family's perspective on emergency readiness?"

[DEREK FRELIGH - HEATHER'S FATHER] "It is a call that completely stops your heart. You're in total shock. But when we look back, we realize how many miracles had to align for Heather to be sitting here today. If McKenna and her classmates hadn't reacted so quickly, and if Principal Theall hadn't known CPR and acted instantly, the outcome would have been very different.

As a family, it opened our eyes to how vital this training is. It shouldn't just be a bonus skill; CPR and AED access need to be standard in every single school. We're incredibly proud of Heather for taking this terrifying event and turning it into advocacy."

[HEATHER HOLMES] "Heather, you're working hard to spread awareness. What is your ultimate goal moving forward with your advocacy work?"

[HEATHER FRELIGH] "I want hands-only CPR training to be a requirement in schools, and I want every school to have accessible AEDs and a clear cardiac emergency plan. A lot of people think cardiac arrest only happens to older people, but it can happen to athletes and kids my age too. Knowing what to do saves lives, and I'm going to keep pushing until these changes are made everywhere."

[HEATHER HOLMES] "An absolute inspiration. Heather, Derek, McKenna—thank you all so much for coming in and sharing this vital message. We wish you the absolute best of luck with your advocacy."