80s_Fan
12-20-2007, 12:41 PM
:crying:
A Heroes Reunion
Cyndi Nguyen,
December 18, 2007
NEW ORLEANS — A New Orleans east woman shares a powerful lesson in faith after surviving a vicious domestic attack. Her christmas wish is the chance to thank the man who helped save her life. For paramedic Charlie Brown and occupational therapist student Hien Dinhgenschor -- it's reunion filled with hugs and smiles nearly five years in the making. It's a reunion neither imagined would ever take place.
"I cried because you know, I made it. I have the chance to see him again because at that moment I thought I was going to die but I'm still here," says domestic violence victim Hien Dinhgenschor.
Hien being here today is a miracle to many. The two first met in 2003 during a 911 domestic violence call to Hien's home in New Orleans east.
Charlie remembers that February morning.
"There are certain calls that you just never forget and this is just one of them," says Brown.
At Hien's home, paramedics found her tied to a chair with wires, wrapped in a blanket and set on fire -- and all at the hands of her husband.
"The gasoline and fire came so strong. I stood up and with the chair tied to my back. I didn't have the balance to stand so I fell to the ground," says Dinhgenschor.
Hien had nearly 90-percent third degree burns. She also lost part of her right arm. Despite the agonizing pain -- next came an image she says she'll never forget.
"Suddenly I opened my eyes and saw Charlie Brown. He held my hands and I told him that my husband tried to kill me," says Dinhgenschor.
For the 23-year EMS veteran, it was a life changing moment as well.
"Most people ask us to help them live but she asked me to let her die," says Brown. However, Charlie didn't give up on her and well the rest is history, years of rehab and many surgeries later. Hien fulfilled a dream to say thanks to the man who gave her a second chance at life.
"This is beautiful, this is an early christmas present, to see her still fighting still in school and to still have a sense of humor through all of this. This is why I do the job," says Brown.
Copyright © 2007, WGNO
A Heroes Reunion
Cyndi Nguyen,
December 18, 2007
NEW ORLEANS — A New Orleans east woman shares a powerful lesson in faith after surviving a vicious domestic attack. Her christmas wish is the chance to thank the man who helped save her life. For paramedic Charlie Brown and occupational therapist student Hien Dinhgenschor -- it's reunion filled with hugs and smiles nearly five years in the making. It's a reunion neither imagined would ever take place.
"I cried because you know, I made it. I have the chance to see him again because at that moment I thought I was going to die but I'm still here," says domestic violence victim Hien Dinhgenschor.
Hien being here today is a miracle to many. The two first met in 2003 during a 911 domestic violence call to Hien's home in New Orleans east.
Charlie remembers that February morning.
"There are certain calls that you just never forget and this is just one of them," says Brown.
At Hien's home, paramedics found her tied to a chair with wires, wrapped in a blanket and set on fire -- and all at the hands of her husband.
"The gasoline and fire came so strong. I stood up and with the chair tied to my back. I didn't have the balance to stand so I fell to the ground," says Dinhgenschor.
Hien had nearly 90-percent third degree burns. She also lost part of her right arm. Despite the agonizing pain -- next came an image she says she'll never forget.
"Suddenly I opened my eyes and saw Charlie Brown. He held my hands and I told him that my husband tried to kill me," says Dinhgenschor.
For the 23-year EMS veteran, it was a life changing moment as well.
"Most people ask us to help them live but she asked me to let her die," says Brown. However, Charlie didn't give up on her and well the rest is history, years of rehab and many surgeries later. Hien fulfilled a dream to say thanks to the man who gave her a second chance at life.
"This is beautiful, this is an early christmas present, to see her still fighting still in school and to still have a sense of humor through all of this. This is why I do the job," says Brown.
Copyright © 2007, WGNO