Thank you to all the heroes who helped save my life

I would like to express my eternal gratitude and thanks to everybody involved in saving my life when I experienced cardiac arrest at the Anan trail on July 22.

I owe my life to Brian Schwartz of Alaska Charters and Adventures, James Leslie and Glen Decker of Alaska Waters, the U.S. Forest Service Anan crew, Wrangell EMTs, Dr. Lynn Prysunka, emergency room staff, medivac flight crew and others I am not aware of because three hours of my life are missing.

I could hardly “pick” a worse location for balancing on the verge of death. My survival in remote bear country is a loud testament to the persistence and professionalism of everybody who did the right thing and refused to give up on me.

Now I really know what it means to be Wrangell strong, performing on a miracle level against all odds requires special kind of people. Also, I appreciate all the prayers and moral support Wrangell gave me.

I am so proud to be a member of this community.

-- Ivan Simonek