Red Cross Honors 2 Menomonee Falls Residents for Lifesaving Efforts

MENOMONEE FALLS, WI — The American Red Cross, along with community partners, hosted the Chapter signature event: Brave Hearts, Heroes Among Us on Thursday, May 18th.

The awards recognized community members who have prevented life-threatening situations, come to the aid of another or contributed to the safety of people through a single act or ongoing activity.

Dana Bilello - Community Safety, Security, and Resiliency

Dana Bilello of Menomonee Falls is trained in CPR and AED because her job as a child care provider requires it. Yet, she never could have imagined that the first time she would need to use these skills was to save her own twelve-year-old daughter's life. In April 2016, Dana's daughter Kylie collapsed and became unresponsive. Dana immediately began life-saving CPR until paramedics arrived. Because of her mother’s training and love, Kylie recently celebrated her thirteenth birthday and is on the road to recovery.

Mario D'Antonio - Youth Hero

Mario is an active member of Boy Scouts and takes pride in the practical things he has learned through scouting. While ice fishing with family in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Mario and a friend, Dalton, wandered a bit away from the adults. Suddenly, Dalton fell through the ice into the freezing cold water. Mario knew Dalton needed help to escape the life-threatening situation as soon as possible. Mario laid on his stomach on the ice and held a branch for Dalton to cling to while shouting for help. His actions helped Dalton remain calm until help arrived.