Christina Hackert, of Emmaus, was enjoying the day with her children Bailey, Brayden Joshua, Jr. and her fiancée Joshua Knappenberger, Sr. Aug. 29 at Alburtis Park.

Hackert had no idea she was going to be honored for trying to save the life of Abigail “Abbie” Zukowski by administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Hackert heard her name called on the loud speaker requesting her presence at the pavilion so she went as requested. When she arrived, waiting for her was Lt. Jeff Knopf of Emmaus Ambulance Corps and Chief Scott Watkins of EMS Angels Motorcycle Club. Abbie Zukowski’s parents Lisa and Chris were also called to the stage and stood nearby.

As soon as Knopf began speaking, the memory of what happened May 18 sent emotions welling up in Hackert and the Zukowskis.

The tears of remembrance could not be held back.

“The 18th of May was a day that shattered the community of Emmaus,” Knopf said and continued with the story of Hackert being on her way to work at Turkey Hill Mini Market when she heard a commotion when exiting her car.

While crossing the intersection of Sixth and Chestnut streets Abbie Zukowski and her friend Mya Walrath had just been hit by a car.

Running to see what happened Hackert noticed Abbie had been injured and was lying on the ground. Wanting to render aide, Hackert immediately began administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

When the ambulance arrived she continued and kept working with Abbie and the ambulance crew all the way to the hospital where they were told Abbie Zukowski had not survived.

Mya Walrath was admitted in critical condition and survived.

“What I find commendable is Abbie did not lie there alone. She had somebody there with her, trying to save her life as well,” Knopf said.

“There are lots of times when the community does good deeds and there were several other community members trying to help as well and we definitely commend them for their efforts,” Knopf said.

For her heroic efforts Hackert was presented with a pin and a plaque by Knopf from Emmaus Ambulance Corps. Chief Scott Watkins also presented Hackert with a plaque from EMS Angels Motorcycle Club.

“This is really unnecessary. I did what I could do and it was not enough and I cannot take that away. There’s really nothing else I can say.” Hackert said.

“There was nothing I could do,” Lisa Zukowski said. “I was not there for her that day. At least it was a mom’s hand on her back. I found out who she was and went and talked to her. She is an amazing person for what she did,” Zukowski added, reaching out to Hackert.

Holding a white balloon on a string and taking all of this in was Hackert’s little girl Bailey.

“Congratulations Mom,” Bailey said two times with a big smile while looking at her mom to make sure she was heard.

Knopf also said this incident took a toll on the whole ambulance crew as well as Abbie’s dad. Chris Zukowski is a former paramedic and worked with the ambulance crew for two years as a pre-hospital registered nurse. Chris Zukowski is currently a flight nurse with the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Lisa and Chris Zukowski also want to convey their gratitude and thanks to the citizens of Emmaus, their neighbors, the school and soccer team, their local churches and the entire community for how much they have been helped through their grief with cards and calls. The Zukowski family is especially grateful to teachers Jonas Ewing and Suzy Waldron.