Exclusive: Daughter Saves Mother's Life with CPR in Saratoga Springs

A Miracle of Survival: The Story of Maggie Soward

Last year, on Thanksgiving Day, a life-changing event unfolded in Saratoga Springs, Utah. Maggie Soward, a 46-year-old woman, suffered a cardiac arrest while preparing food with her husband, Scott Soward, at their home. Her family describes her survival as nothing short of miraculous.

On November 28, 2024, just before 12:30 p.m., Maggie suddenly collapsed and began experiencing a seizure. Her husband immediately realized something was seriously wrong when he noticed she had stopped breathing and had no pulse. The moment was terrifying for the family, especially for Scott, who described the shock of seeing his wife’s face turn gray.

What made this situation even more remarkable was that Maggie’s daughter, Eliza, 17, had recently recertified in CPR for the third time, just six days earlier. Without hesitation, Eliza began performing chest compressions. Her quick actions were crucial in keeping Maggie alive until emergency medical personnel arrived.

Emergency responders quickly took over, continuing chest compressions and delivering three defibrillator shocks. According to the Saratoga Springs Fire & Rescue, first responders worked tirelessly for approximately 25 minutes before Maggie regained a pulse and started breathing again. This level of dedication from the emergency team played a vital role in her survival.

Meanwhile, Maggie’s son, Noah, 19, reached out to hundreds of people, asking them to pray for his mother. He shared a heartfelt message: “Please pray for my mom, we think she just had a heart attack.”

Maggie was then rushed to Lehi Mountain Point Hospital, where she was placed on a ventilator. Later that evening, she was moved to the Intensive Care Unit. At this point, the family was deeply concerned about potential brain damage due to the lack of blood flow to the brain. However, Maggie's condition gradually improved over the following days.

Despite a difficult hospital stay, during which she tried to remove her breathing tube, Maggie showed signs of recovery. Her memory was initially spotty, but it gradually returned within a few days as friends and family visited her regularly.

Doctors later diagnosed Maggie with atrial fibrillation, a serious condition where the apex of her heart wasn’t functioning properly. This irregular heart rhythm required treatment to prevent a stroke. On December 4, 2024, Maggie underwent surgery to have a defibrillator implanted near her heart to monitor and regulate her heartbeats.

The following day, she was finally able to go home. The medical team described Maggie’s survival as a rare occurrence, noting a mere 5% chance of surviving such an event. Scott expressed immense gratitude for the efforts of Eliza, stating that her quick response was critical in saving Maggie’s life. The Saratoga Springs Fire & Rescue also recognized Eliza’s bravery, awarding her a plaque for her heroic actions.

Today, Maggie is doing well, with minimal residual damage from the incident. Scott reflects on the many factors that contributed to Maggie’s survival, including faith, family, community support, and what he calls divine intervention.

The Soward family wishes to thank everyone who prayed, fasted, and supported them during this challenging time. Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preparedness, quick action, and the strength of community.