Who is John Fitzpatrick? Phoenix man officiates wedding of heart attack survivor whose life he saved with CPR, calls it 'real special privilege'
PHOENIX, ARIZONA: Mark Childs, a heart attack survivor got married on Saturday, November 11, in Phoenix by John Fitzpatrick, the man he credits with saving his life.
Fitzpatrick performed CPR on Mark when he suffered a heart attack in August 2017. CPR brought together strangers who developed an unbreakable bond, deepened by a “miracle” wedding.
Mark and Michelle Childs said their wedding was made possible by John Fitzpatrick, who went on to become the officiant in their wedding.
“The person that saved my life to be the person that’s gonna wed us is just beyond words,” Mark said to AZFamily.
What happened to Mark Childs in 2017?
In August 2017, Mark Childs, then 50 years old, had encountered what’s known as a ‘widowmaker’ heart attack.
At work, he felt uneasy and was advised to visit urgent care. On the way, he stopped at an O’Reilly Auto Parts store and collapsed.
It just so happened that John Fitzpatrick was there and at the time he was a total stranger to Mark. However, he rushed to Mark and performed CPR on him in an effort to try to bring him back to life.
“There was no pulse at all,” said Fitzpatrick at the time. “He was going from gray to grayer. I thought he wasn’t gonna last,” he further explained.
First responders arrived on the scene and transported him to the hospital. Mark underwent surgery, remained in a coma for several days, and suffered third-degree burns after collapsing on the scorching pavement.
Mark’s recovery took more than six months, and his then-girlfriend Michelle remained by his side the entire time.
Fitzpatrick left his phone number at the auto parts store, hoping to hear from Mark. They all eventually connected and became friends months later in an emotional reunion.
“It’s a bond that will be there for the rest of my life,” said Mark.
What did John Fitzpatrick say at Mark Childs' wedding?
Mark and Michelle's love was celebrated in a simple backyard ceremony at their home, with their close friends and family by their side.
They've been through a lot over the past six years since the incident, and this celebration marked their progress and strength through the difficult times together.
“It’s a real special privilege,” said Fitzpatrick, being present at their union officiating the ceremony. It was a perfect way to honor their remarkable friendship.
“Had John not been there, I wouldn’t be standing here today, and I would not be marrying Michelle today,” said Mark.
“I love him. I wouldn’t change a thing,” Michelle said after getting hitched.
Mark, a survivor of a heart attack, wanted to wear a red tie to his wedding, and he asked Fitzpatrick to join him. They believe that the main takeaway from their story is the life-saving potential of CPR, and they hope that this inspires others to become certified.