Man Says Goodbye To His Wife As They Took Her Off Life Support, But Then She Utters 5 Words
Ryan Finley never imagined his life would change so dramatically on a quiet Sunday morning. He reached over to wake his wife, Jill, only to find her unresponsive. Panicked, he called 911 and began CPR until paramedics arrived and rushed her to the hospital. Doctors later confirmed Jill had suffered a cardiac arrest and soon fell into a coma.
For two weeks, Ryan clung to hope, reading Bible passages aloud at her bedside. But with no signs of improvement, doctors urged him to consider taking her off life support. After 14 heartbreaking days, Ryan made the gut-wrenching decision to let her go.
Just hours after life support was withdrawn, something miraculous happened—Jill began to speak. A stunned nurse ran to tell Ryan, who rushed into the room expecting final words. Instead, Jill looked at him and said, “Get me out of here. I want to go home.”
To Ryan’s disbelief, Jill could recall names, answer questions, and even requested dinner from her favorite Mexican restaurant. Doctors were astounded. Jill would survive.
Though recovery wasn’t instant—she had to relearn basic motor skills—Jill supported Ryan’s decision, saying she wouldn’t have wanted to live in a vegetative state.
Ryan still wakes in the night to check on her. “If she kicks me back, I know we’re OK,” he says.
The couple now cherishes every moment together, grateful for what they believe was a divine intervention.
Please share this inspiring story of love, faith, and an incredible second chance.
Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest happens because of an electrical issue that makes your heart stop beating. When your heart stops pumping blood, you become unconscious. Cardiac arrest can be fatal in minutes. This is why bystanders should call for help and start CPR immediately. A person’s chances of survival are best when they get help right away.
What is cardiac arrest?
Cardiac arrest happens when your heart stops beating or beats so fast that it stops pumping blood. During cardiac arrest, people typically collapse and become unresponsive. Symptoms start without warning. This is why people also call it sudden cardiac arrest.
This life-threatening condition can become fatal if you don’t get immediate treatment.
During cardiac arrest (cardiopulmonary arrest), your heart isn’t pumping blood anymore. Within minutes, this puts your organs and whole body at risk of death because they must constantly receive oxygen. Your blood delivers that oxygen.
Emergency treatment includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation. CPR keeps enough oxygen in your lungs and gets it to your brain until an electric shock restores a normal heart rhythm. CPR and defibrillators may save your life.
Call 911 (or your local emergency services number) if you see someone drop to the ground and you suspect sudden cardiac arrest. The faster someone gets help, the better their chances of survival with good health outcomes.
How common is cardiac arrest?
More than 356,000 Americans each year experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital. It typically affects adults, but it can happen in children, too.
Sudden cardiac arrest happens in people with and without heart disease. Having a heart attack or other heart condition can significantly increase your risk.
What are the symptoms?
Cardiac arrest symptoms may include:
- Loss of consciousness (fainting).
- Heart palpitations.
- Dizziness.
- Lightheadedness.
- Weakness.
- Sudden cardiac arrest happens without preceding symptoms.
What happens right before cardiac arrest?
Before you faint, you may have other signs of cardiac arrest, including:
- Chest pain.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Shortness of breath.
Can a person survive after cardiac arrest?
Yes, you can survive cardiac arrest. But it’s not common. Most people who have a sudden cardiac arrest outside of a hospital don’t survive. This is usually because they don’t get help in time.
Still, survival rates are better than they were just 10 years ago. About 11% of people who have cardiac arrest outside a hospital and get emergency treatment survive and go home from the hospital. About 26% of people who have cardiopulmonary arrest inside a hospital survive and go home.