Nutley Girl Scout Saves Her Mother’s Life: ‘She Became The Adult’

NUTLEY, NJ — Nutley resident Peggy Madureira has imparted a lot of lessons during her time as troop leader with the Girl Scouts. And that good karma was repaid when Madureira's daughter saved her mom’s life using emergency skills she learned in the scouts.

Madureira has served as troop leader since her daughter, Marley, entered kindergarten. Skills such as the Heimlich maneuver hold a special place in her repertoire.

“I cannot stress enough the importance of learning first aid and lifesaving skills,” Madureira said.

It’s a good thing she does, according to the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey (GSHNJ).

In January, Madureira began choking at their family home in Nutley when a sinus medication pill got stuck in her throat. Unable to breathe or yell for help, she started banging on the kitchen sink.

The first responder on the scene was her daughter.

Staying calm and recalling the training she learned in the scouts, Marley launched into the Heimlich maneuver, a first-aid procedure used to treat upper airway obstructions. Ultimately, Marley was able to dislodge the pill, saving her mother’s life.

“I’m so proud of the way Marley handled the situation – she remained calm and acted responsibly,” a grateful Madureira said during a ceremony to honor her at Nutley Town Hall. “She immediately became the adult in the situation.”

“I’m just happy that I had the skills needed to save my mother’s life,” the junior Madureira said.

Nutley Mayor Mauro Tucci, who attended the ceremony, said Madureira is an “amazing young lady” with great leadership skills.

“We live in a wonderful town, with great resources and a caring community, and we are happy to be here to honor one of our young heroes,” Tucci said.

The GSHNJ has since joined the chorus of people praising Madureira for her quick thinking, honoring her with the Medal of Honor, a Lifesaving Award given by Girl Scouts of the United States of America.

CEO Natasha Hemmings recently presented Marley with an award letter and pin, calling her a “young woman of character and integrity” who lives by the Girl Scout Law and Promise.

“She called upon her experience as a Girl Scout to save her mother’s life,” Hemmings said. “It’s an inspiring story for all of us.”

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