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Dr. Henry Heimlich Honors Two Area Life-Savers

By Mike Greco

Buffalo, NY – One of the world's most renowned physicians was in Buffalo Wednesday to present a Lancaster teenager with a prestigious award.

Dr. Henry Heimlich, inventer of the Heimlich Maneuver, presented the "Save a Life" award to 17-year-old Kevin Stephan. Last January, Stephan saved nurse Penny Brown from choking at a restaurant in Depew. Seven years earlier, Brown had performed CPR on Stephan and saved his life after he was struck in the chest by a baseball bat.

Brown and Stephan's amazing story captured local and national headlines, catching the attention of Dr. Heimlich.

It's the first time that I've heard of two people saving each other's lives," Heimlich said. "I think that's startling and moving to everyone who hears it."

Since it was invented in 1974, the Heimlich Maneuver has saved over 50,000 lives.