JOHNSTON, R.I. (WPRI) — The Chariho High School senior who saved a choking man’s life earlier this month received the surprise of a lifetime Thursday.
Chaia Elwell, 18, was at the Raising Cane’s in Johnston, which had opened just days prior , when she noticed a man who was struggling to breathe. She immediately sprung into action and successfully performed the Heimlich on the choking man.
Elwell said she learned the life-saving maneuver in school and didn’t think twice, adding that it further solidified her aspirations to become a nurse.
Raising Cane’s thanked Elwell by gifting her a $10,000 scholarship to the college of her choice.
Elwell was overwhelmed with gratitude, describing the fast-food restaurant’s gesture as “surreal.”
“I really just stepped in to help the man because I wanted him to live,” she said. “I can’t believe [Raising Cane’s] gave me that much money.”
“We had no idea about the scholarship,” her mother Michele Elwell added. “I knew what she did was amazing and I am just so thankful that she was recognized for that.”