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Courtesy of the Gipson family
Malik Gipson, left, with his great grandmother Elaine, and younger brother Michael.
By Jessica Blank
NBC News
Malik Gipson is not only celebrating his ninth birthday today, he’s also being honored for saving his two-year old brother from choking.
Malik and his younger brother, Michael, were visiting their great-grandmother at her home in Jonesboro, Ga., in December when Michael became envious of a piece of hard peppermint candy that Malik was eating. So Michael took a piece, put it in his mouth -- and started to choke.
Their great-grandmother, 66-year-old Elaine Pines, was watching Malik, Michael, and their 11-month old sister, Mariah, while the children’s parents worked outside in the front yard.
"Just as I looked around, Michael was slobbering at the mouth,” Pines told msnbc.com. “And I said, 'Malik! He swallowed it.'”
Seeing that his great-grandmother was holding their baby sister in her arms, Malik sprung to action and performed the Heimlich maneuver on his brother.
"I was scared. I was thinking he was going to pass away,” Malik said. “I grabbed him by the chest and kept doing the Heimlich maneuver and kept doing it until it came out.” On Malik’s third attempt, the peppermint flew across the floor.
At the time, Pines said, she was “a nervous wreck."
"Malik ran to get his mom and dad outside and told them what happened,” she said.
At first, Camellia and Tronte Gipson were confused by the sight of Malik in the front yard, holding a peppermint candy.
“We didn’t think it was anything at first, but when Elaine came to the door, she was shaking and frantic,” said Camellia Tronte. “But Michael still had color in his face and he was breathing, so we didn’t call an ambulance.”
Courtesy of the Gipson family
Camellia Gipson, Tronte Gipson and their children Malik, Michael, and Mariah.
“The night of the incident, we were sitting in the car, and Michael said, ‘Malik saved my life.’ And it brought me to tears,” said Camellia. “For a two-year old to say something like that, at that moment, it was very touching.”
In hopes of recognizing Malik’s bravery his parents called the Clayton County fire department. Camellia shared her son’s story, and the fire department organized a ceremony in honor of Malik today, his birthday.
“I’m going to the fire department to get an award. I’m excited,” Malik said. When asked where he learned how to do the Heimlich maneuver, Malik simply said, “I watched a TV show on Disney XD."
In a ceremony attended by the Gipson’s family and friends, Fire Chief Jeff Hood will present Malik with a certificate, rewarding him for his courage and bravery.
“Throughout my career in public safety and as Fire Chief, I have had the opportunity to shake the hand of many brave men and women that serve our community with honor, courage and commitment. Today, I have had the privilege to shake the hand of another brave young man, Malik Gipson,” Hood said in a statement provided to msnbc.com. “His actions were of those seasoned with maturity and that same honor and courage. Malik is an example to all his peers and even the professionals, that it is our dedication and commitment to one another that makes human life so dear.”
Malik will also be given a fireman helmet and a special tour of the Fire Department while surrounded by his friends, his relatives, and of course, his great-grandmother.
“I’m excited about him getting the award because he did a wonderful job,” Pines said.
Malik age 8, Michael age 2, and their baby sister Mariah 6 months
Leave a Comment:
What a great story. Thank you for sharing it with us.
I agree that it is a great story and surprising that a nine year old knew what to do. What I do not understand is the parents calling the fire department long after any problem had passed when they needed no assistance just to brag about their son. Of course the fire department is going to do something for the kid once they heard, but why did the parents feel the need to do this. They put the fire department on the spot just to boost their kids ego a little. I know I am probably going to get flamed for these comments, so have at it. I just do not get his need for recognition.
He's 9 years old. 9 year olds NEED recognition and a certificate when things like this happen. This incident is going to shape who he is for the rest of his life, shape who he becomes as an adult.
JS in SD .. What do you mean that you don't know WHY? This is a 9 year old who immediately knew what to do to save his brothers life and did it well. HE SAVED A LIFE at 9 years old. Did you have the knowledge to do the same at 9? Would you have acted so promptly and not panicked? This little boy is a hero.. This action should be encouraged in ANY way possible and his parents made sure that it was. I can't see how ANYone can put a negative spin on a story like this.
Adults don't need recognition. they should know right from wrong and what to do in emergencies. A 9 year is a kid. Kids require positive reinforcement. Do you want to raise a child that is brave and doesnt get rattled in times of difficulty, or would you not encourage them when they do something outstanding.
I'm not sure you'r a parent JD, but this is what good parents do. Although I would not have waited I would have called emergency services once the problem discovered.
Adults DO need recognition too !! If not, what are all the awards for in business, best salesman, best crew, ....... . People do need a pat on the back now and again. And as far as this young man I think his parents were right on in getting this kid his pat. Who knows, maybe this kid is a future fireman, policeman, Dr. Maybe this incident will remain in his mind and he will remember that he is intelligent and has the ability to make a difference. The only side note on the baby I would add is that I still would have had him checked at the Dr. Events like this can cause damage to your throat as well as other concerns. Besides that....Good job young man and good job Mom and Dad for taking the opportunity to praise your child !!
By recognizing Malik, other kids will become aware of the positive impact they can have. They will see the importance of learning skills that can help others. There is so much attention on the negative in our world, it's great to see a big deal being made out of something positive. Great job, Malik!
JS-
The way I read the article is that the fire department heard about this independently or have a ceremony for people like this yearly or something along those lines. Most towns do have ceremonies where they recognize heroes.
@zieglo87: Then you didn't read the article very carefully. I believe the quote is...
That being said, I have a 9 year old and I'd like to reinforce the statements above - 9 year-olds deserve recognition for exceptional acts like this. Good man.
Hey JS in SD, wanna trade handles? Way to bring people down, Captain Negative.
This story put a huge smile on my face and my belly got butterflies from this young man's courageous act. And then I read your comment. Remember what its like to shove a needle in a balloon? Yep, thanks for that.
I don't know what your life is like, but I don't really want to know. If you can see the downside to this amazing story, I feel so very, very sorry for you.
Need some prozac for those moody blues?
Reminds me of the movie "It's a Wonderful Life" when, as a boy, Jimmy Stewart's character saves his brother from drowning when he fell thru the ice. His brother went on to be a decorated war hero, having saved many soldiers during WWII.
While we have a glimpse of the greatness within this young man - selflessness is a truly valued quality. We are all known by our character and through act and deed, we continue down life's path. Key to that path? It appears they already have the right map and the right road. God Bless them all. Fine job young man. Fine joy son. Let's also add - parenting - one of the toughest jobs on the planet. Great job Mom and Dad.
This is a great story and a testament to Disney and other programs that educate our young people. If anything, it gets the word out to other parents about how great educational programs can be for our kids. This is also encouragement and positive reinforcement to other young kids in believing that they too can help in situations when an adult is unavailable.
Great job!
The recognition he received was perfect for a nine year old boy.
A tour of the firehouse. A ceremony with family and friends. A fireman's helmet. Just the kind of recognition that makes him feel proud and excited, but not over the top.
I've spent a lot of time with nine year olds. They tend to be pretty matter-of-fact. He did what he could to save his brother, and he succeeded. I hope his understanding that he can make -- has made -- a difference in the lives of others will help keep him afloat through the coming challenges of adolescence!
well the answer to the question
"Did you have the knowledge to do the same at 9? Would you have acted so promptly and not panicked?"
is yes by the time I was 8 years old I was given a gun safety course , a CPR course and a field injury course
why??? because my parents "cared" about me
so my conclusion is the parents are the hero's for exposing the boy to the idea that he is not helpless in a situation like that.
now all you parents out find your local training soars "AND GET YOUR KIDS IN THERE!!!!!" I had fun when I did it
What a beautiful story...brought tears to my eyes. I am so glad he was able to save his little brother. Of course he needs to be recognized for his bravery and quick thinking. Without his actions his little brother may have died, especially since his grandmother was so shaken and didnt really seem to know what to do. It was nice for his parents to seek a little recognition for their son, he should be praised and awarded.
Bravo Malik! You are a great person and I am sure your little brother (although still very young) is very thankfull for your heroic act. He and and your little sister will always look up to you! Way to go kiddo!
JS in SD, the vast majority of the news we receive is negative. Not every 9-year-old would have had the knowledge or presence of mind to do what this kid does, and a life was saved because he took initiative. That makes it newsworthy, and it serves as a good example to other kids his age. His parents should be proud, and he deserves some recognition by his community.
finally some good news. Way to go little man.
JS in SD - at least your were smart enough to realize you'd get flamed for your comments.
Just out curiosity, how do you think most other stories get picked up? Do you think the hospital that responds to the emergencies are notifying the media?
No...usually a family member notifies the media, and it goes from there.
In fact, you should be applauding this family that they went to the fire dept of their local town, just to get their kid a little pat on the back...rather than calling NBC and saying "my kid needs to be on the today show".
Seriously...it's as if you didnt even give it two thoughts about how most kids who do amazing things get the recoginition they deserve.
It's simply a shame our media isnt filled with THESE kinds of stories, rather than the ones we are usually getting pelted with...reinforcing in our kids that if they do idiotic things, thats the ONLY way they'll get their name known.
What a beautiful family. Way to go Malik !!!!
Being rewarded is going to shape this kids life? Wow, thats pushing it.
Good job kid, and the award is duly earned. Actually, Jessica, most of the reports on emergencies come from the local news outlets have police scanners. Fact is, the news here knew about my mom dying in a car accident before our family did, because of a scanner, and passerby call ins.
Beautiful family; great little boy! Very glad for the happy ending.
May God bless Malik--he's such a brave boy; so happy Michael is alive. I rejoice with the family.
Much nicer to read this than nearly anything else in the news right now. They look like a nice family, glad they've still got all of their members.
Fantastic. I'm so proud of this fine young man.
Thank you so much for printing this story. There is so much bad news-it is nice to read something good. I am so happy for this family!! They must be so proud of Malik! And I bet even tho Michael is only 2 yo he will remember for his whole life that his big brother saved him!!
Kids are so eager to learn and very trainable when it comes to first aid, calling 911, and performing the heimlich manuever. Way to go Malik and thank-you Disney for responsible programming!
"color in his face",,,,,,yea LOL
There's a word for you....i think it starts with an a and ends with a hole.
What kind of sick sociopath lurks on message boards just to make comments like this? Shut off the computer. Make an appointment with a shrink. Try to rejoin the human race. Now go away.
Very happy ending for him & his family.Good luck in life Malik.
I'll say it again: there's a hero everywhere just waiting to be discovered.
Smiles all around!
Wonderful! What a smart young man for not only knowing what to do, but also keeping his wits about him. It seems that his Grandmother panicked and froze up. That young man is going to be a doctor when he grows up!!!
Good job kiddo! Ya done good!
Wonderful story! Malik, you are a very brave young man!
The kind of story that makes you relize there are still reasons to be proud of our youth. Congratulations for a job well done!
I think his parents should be recognized as well, they have raised a gentleman who cares for everyone around him.
Thank God for good parenting skills and amazing young men. I hope the rest of his life follows this same path of greatness.
Agreed. What a beautiful family! Malik, you are my hero!
Phenomenal, Malik!!!! It is so nice to hear a story with a positive outcome...and Malik, enjoy your special time with the fire department. You deserve it! :)
he had some help from above-smart little guy
Wow, what an amazing story to read in the morning!! Malik, I hope you know what a wonderful thing you have done, what an amazing thing you have done to save the life of your little brother!
Well done Malik!! Thanks to you that beautiful family in the picture is still intact. Malik deserves all the recognition he can get--and I applaud his parents for seeing to it that this great deed gets the attention it deserves. Happy birthday to my hero of the day!!
Great job, Malik!
Good job, kid.
Smart kid, nice family, good to read a story like this!
Good kid...well done son.
.... and I'll just add my "Absoultely and Well Done" to the list of compliments-Malik! What a wonderful story and as previously expressed-so glad the family is intact.
Abundant blessings to you on your Birthday and to your family for the rest of your lives and future generations!
Great story and a beautiful family. This little boy is a hero and should be recognized for it. Calling the fire department to share the story is even better. Children need positive reinforcement. It also shows others his age that it is okay to step up and help when it is needed. There are too many people out there that don't help when it is needed. Thank goodness he knew what to do. Good job!!!
Great job to a quick-thinking young man! His parents should be proud of him and it's good to read a positive story about our young Americans instead of all the tragic ones.
great job lil brother !!