Corona stroke victim thanks first responders for saving her life

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KABC) -- There was a big thank you on Monday from a stroke victim to the first responders who saved her life in Corona.

It's not every day you're able to make cookies for paramedics, firefighters and doctors. Then again, it's not every day that you get to thank them for saving your life.

Robin Gardner, 56, of Corona, was on a bicycle ride on Nov. 27. When she got to a hill on Masters Drive, she started to struggle, and by the time she got home, Gardner realized she was having a stroke.

Gardner went to a neighbor's house, but when she tried to talk to him, she couldn't speak.

The two called 911.

"She stated that she was a Kaiser patient, but we agreed that due to the distance, Corona Regional would be the best location for her," Michael Waters of the Corona Fire Department said.

That hospital was only a minute away, and thanks to everyone acting so quickly, Gardner was able to be treated with tissue plasminogen activator, also known as TPA.

The results were incredible. Doctors said a major factor is early recognition of the symptoms.

"If she had waited, this medication might not have been able to be used on her," said Dr. James Rhee of the Corona Regional Medical Center

Gardner said she wanted to say thank you to those who helped save her life and offer some helpful advice to everyone.

She said, "If you think you're having a stroke, you need to take care of it right away."