# @americanredcross on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DOWHXrcDlqT
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/72588466-americanredcross-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/f38edcb821.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-09-08T15:01:56.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** American Red Cross (@americanredcross) — https://gondola.cc/americanredcross

## Caption

Lifeguard Katelyn Williams didn't just save a man's life. She formed a lasting bond.

While working at the YMCA during her senior year of high school, Katelyn sprang into action when Billy Austin collapsed in the locker room and went into cardiac arrest. Her Red Cross training kicked in. 

Katelyn yelled for someone to call 911 and performed CPR until first responders arrived. Thanks to her efforts, Billy is alive today.

“The entire time I couldn’t stop thinking that he was somebody’s person,” Katelyn said.

Katelyn lost her father at age 10 and has found a special place for Billy in her heart. Four days after the incident, they met in the hospital and their relationship blossomed. 

“She just walked up, and she bent over to hug me and she was crying," Billy said. "It was an emotional time for her, and for me as well."

The pair talk every day. Billy even attended Katelyn’s prom send-off and high school graduation.

For her heroic actions, the RedCrossTN presented Katelyn with a Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders. Billy was by her side during the ceremony.

Katelyn now plans to become an emergency room nurse. She encourages everyone to learn CPR, because you never know whose life you might save, or how they might change yours. ❤️

#LifesavingAwards #LearnCPR

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 1,408
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- **Comments:** 11

## Tags

lifesavingawards, learncpr

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