PHOENIX — Back on October 1, 2019, Sabyan Varela was at home with his mother, Simone, who was weeks away from delivering a baby girl.
"I was just not feeling well, that morning I got diagnosed with pre-eclampsia," said Simone Varela.
Too weak to take Sabyan to school, Simone stayed home and what ensued that day will stay with the Varela family for a while.
On Monday, the Phoenix Fire Department gave Sabyan the "life saving" award for his efforts on that October day. After noticing that his mother was fainting, he decided to call his father and tell him what was happening.
Robert Varela, the boy's father drove home and called 911.
"The Phoenix Fire Department would like to recognize you, Sabyan, for your fast actions on October 1, 2019, that ultimately saved your mother's life," said Captain Rob McDade during a ceremony to honor Sabyan for his efforts.
"I tried to give the phone to her but she wouldn't answer, and she slowly started to fall back on the couch then she started to shake and stuff," says Sabyan.
Sabyan says he did what his parents have taught him to do, stay calm.
The family also thanked the first responders who followed up on Simone after she arrived at the hospital and gave birth to a healthy baby girl whom the Varela's named Bella.
"So grateful for what he's done," said Robert Varela of his son.
