Lifesaving Box Boy Thanked

When Shawn Jones visited Donnie Issleb at Rosauers on Wednesday, she didn’t ask the 25-year-old box boy to help her with the groceries, as she often has done.

She was there to thank Issleb for saving her life.

Jones was released Monday from Valley Hospital and Medical Center where she was treated for a blood clot in her lung. The 31-year-old mother of three weakened earlier this month while shopping at the Valley grocery store where Issleb works and credits his quick thinking with saving her life.

“Donnie took charge,” Jones said. “He really took charge and wouldn’t let me leave. For that I’m grateful because I wouldn’t be with my kids or my husband.”

March 12 started innocently for Jones. She cruised the aisles at the U-City Rosauers, loading her cart with groceries. When Jones had paid for them, Issleb offered to help her out.

Issleb pushed the cart and chatted with Jones while they walked to her van. Jones’ 7-month old baby sat quietly in the cart.

“Everything was fine until we got (to the car),” Issleb said. “She said, ‘Donnie hurry up and get the groceries in the car. I don’t feel so good.”’

Jones’ face was blue. Issleb wanted her to sit down and rest a minute. Jones insisted on going home so she could put the groceries away first.

Issleb convinced Jones to relax while he finished loading the groceries into the van.

“When she did that, her face turned bright red and I knew something was wrong,” Issleb said.

Jones’ head started to slump toward the steering wheel. She was having trouble breathing. Her chest hurt. Issleb grabbed Jones’ keys and rushed to get help.

Prudie Black, another Rosaeurs employee, sat with Jones while Issleb told assistant manager John Tschirgi to call 911.

Valley Fire paramedics arrived three minutes later and examined Jones, but she refused to allow them to load her into an ambulance, said Larry Herberholz, paramedic chief. Instead, she waited for her husband, Randy, to driver her to the hospital.

At the hospital, doctors told Jones she had a blood clot that was blocking 90 percent of the airway to her left lung. She spent the next two days in intensive care.

Jones now takes blood thinners to treat the condition. She also has to watch her diet, but thanks to Issleb’s quick thinking, is expected to make a full recovery.

“They said another 20 minutes she wouldn’t have made it,” Issleb said. “God told me not to let her go.”

Issleb said years of taking care of his sick father helped him remain calm. He is embarrassed by the attention he is receiving from co-workers. He was just happy to help a friendly customer.

“She’s a nice person and I’m glad I was there for her,” Issleb said.

, DataTimes