If you’re ever in an emergency, you’d be lucky to have someone like Wayne State University School of Social Work student Tiffany Weldon close by.

A series of fortunate events put Weldon in the right place at the right time when her co-worker, known as Chef Mike, went into cardiac arrest. Weldon, an intern at the nonprofit Motor City Mitten Mission (MCMM), left her shift for an appointment and wasn’t scheduled to return, but made a last-minute decision to swing back around to help Founder and Executive Director Gail Marlow with a project. Weldon, Marlow, and Mike were interacting with a client and their child in the MCMM lobby. After several minutes, Weldon and Marlow noticed that Mike started acting peculiarly. As he stomped his feet, stuck out his tongue and flung out his arms, they initially thought he was acting silly to entertain the child, but when Mike collapsed, it was clear that something was terribly wrong.

“I thought he was having a seizure, so I put him on his side in a recovery position,” said Weldon. “He began turning blue and was having trouble breathing, so I knew I needed to begin CPR.”

Weldon reacted on instinct but drew upon training she received in a first aid CPR class that she took as an elective through the Wayne State University College of Education’s Lifestyle Fitness Activities program. Marlow called 911 as Weldon administered chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation until first responders Marrived.

"Everything happened very quickly, but Tiffany didn’t hesitate and acted immediately—she truly was the hero that day," Marlow said. Mike was rushed to the hospital where doctors performed emergency surgery to place two stents in his heart. They later confirmed that he suffered three heart attacks that night.

“I feel like it was fate. Everything came together at just the right moment,” Weldon said. “I wasn’t supposed to be there, and Mike stayed later than expected and has a 40-minute commute home. If he’d left on time he would have been driving when the heart attack hit, and he likely wouldn’t have survived.”

The experience has emphasized the importance of being prepared for medical emergencies. Marlow said that all staff receive basic first aid instruction, but in their ongoing efforts to provide care to those in need, having an automated external defibrillator (AED) on-site and in their mobile outreach units could mean the difference between life and death in an emergency. The costly units don’t currently fit into the nonprofit organization’s budget, so Marlow has reached out to potential donors in hopes of securing a donated unit. “We would be incredibly grateful for any support in making this life-saving tool available to those who need it most,” Marlow said.

Due to Weldon’s instincts, quick thinking, and preparation, Mike is on the road to recovery. While brushing off notions of heroism, (“I feel as though I did what anyone would do.”) She is taking time for self-care as she recovers mentally from the high-stress situation. Weldon says she called her boyfriend immediately after the emergency and hearing his voice helped to calm and center her. To maintain her mental wellness, Weldon enjoys crafting—especially embroidery and paper crafts.    

Weldon will graduate this spring with a bachelor’s degree in social work and plans to begin the master’s program in June. Her journey to social work was inspired by the support she received from her own therapist, whose guidance through a difficult period motivated Weldon to help others in the same meaningful way. Wanting to follow in her therapist’s footsteps, she chose to pursue her education at Wayne State, where her therapist earned her degree.

“I needed as much support as I could get because schooling is very challenging for me. It was helpful to have someone who is familiar with the program,” Weldon said. “My teachers, [Student Success Coach] Tom Romito, and [Assistant Professor and Clinical and Assistant Dean for Student Affairs] Anwar Najor-Durak have been especially helpful and supportive.”

As she pursues her master’s degree, Weldon plans to continue working with MCMM. Her internship experience directly aligns with Wayne State’s Prosperity Agenda and College to Career initiative by bridging classroom learning with practical, real-world application. Through her work at MCMM, she is developing crucial skills in service delivery, community outreach, and collaboration, which will aid her transition from student to professional social worker. This experience exemplifies Wayne State’s dedication to preparing students for careers that positively impact their communities.

Social Work Dean Sheryl Kubiak noted “Tiffany Weldon is emblematic of the students who are entering the social work profession at WSU. She acted swiftly, with confidence and knowledge, to do the right thing!  We couldn't be prouder of the action she took!”

About the Motor City Mitten Mission

Motor City Mitten Mission is a Michigan-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting those in need by providing essential resources and connecting individuals with critical services. The organization facilitates access to housing, wellness services, legal and financial assistance, education, and job training. Through collaboration with organizations, schools, churches, and businesses, MCMM also assists the homeless, the sick, and those seeking a better life. Its outreach efforts include distributing meals, clothing, blankets, personal care products, and more. Committed to making a difference, the organization strives to offer hope and help to those most in need. To learn how you can support the Motor City Mitten Mission, please visit motorcitymittenmission.org or contact Gail Marlow at gail@motorcitymittenmission.org.

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Author: Sarah Freeman and Editor: Betsy Vanderstelt