SPRINGFIELD – The Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland and Girl Scouts of the USA recently presented Cressalyn “Cressa” Lundeen, a seven-year-old Girl Scout, with the prestigious Medal of Honor after her heroic actions in January helped save her baby brother, Teddy.
Cressa was honored during a special ceremony held at the Missouri State Capitol Building in Jefferson City, Mo.
One morning at her home in California, Missouri, Cressa saw Teddy dangerously close to the edge of the bed. Concerned he might fall, Cressa rushed to grab him, but when she reached her brother, she noticed he was not breathing, his lips were blue, and his face was pale. Teddy was having a seizure, with his eyes fixed and his arms trembling. Without hesitation, Cressa immediately rolled him onto his side, rubbed his chest to help him breathe, and ran to get her parents.
Her quick-thinking and calm response in a moment of crisis helped her parents realize that Teddy needed urgent medical attention. Thanks to Cressa’s actions, Teddy was rushed to the hospital, where he recovered.
“I’m so happy my brother Teddy didn’t die because I love him so much,” said Cressa. “I’m glad I know how to help people.”
Cressa’s heroic actions were made possible by the skills she learned as a Girl Scout. After earning her Daisy Safety Pin, Cressa received training in first aid, CPR, and how to handle emergencies like choking, fires, and seizures. She also knows the importance of knowing emergency contact information, such as her mom’s phone number and their home address.
The Girl Scout Medal of Honor is awarded to girls who save a life or attempt to save a life without putting themselves in danger. This honor is reserved for Girl Scouts who demonstrate extraordinary maturity and courage beyond their years. Cressa’s actions that day exemplify the values of bravery, responsibility, and compassion that Girl Scouts strive to uphold.
“We are so proud of Cressalyn,” said Brigitte Scott, Interim CEO, Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland. “She embodies the courage, confidence, and character Girl Scouting builds in girls.”
In addition to her heroism, Cressa is known for her kindness, honesty, and fairness; and she is passionate about helping others. Cressa is a proud Girl Scout, and she looks forward to continuing her journey of service and leadership.
We Are Girl Scouts. Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from community to community, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit girlscoutsmoheartland.org.