Local Doctor Honored for Life-Saving Actions at Youth Baseball Game

On July 11, Dr. Jennifer LaFemina, an oncologist at UMass Memorial Health, performed a heroic act that saved the life of a Little League umpire during a 10U Jimmy Fund tournament game in Oxford, Massachusetts. For her quick thinking and decisive actions, LaFemina received a life-saving merit award from the Oxford Board of Selectmen on Tuesday. Witnesses noted that she observed concerning symptoms from the umpire, prompting her to convince him to step out of the game. After the umpire collapsed, LaFemina immediately began administering emergency care, including CPR, while directing the Little League president to locate a defibrillator. According to the Oxford fire chief, it took six rounds of CPR to successfully restart the umpire's heart. Paramedics arrived shortly after, and he was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Fortunately, he is now recovering and breathing on his own, as confirmed by Little League officials. The Jimmy Fund Little League program, which raises funds for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, was the backdrop for this dramatic incident. LaFemina reflected on a small act of kindness from the umpire prior to the incident, recalling how he encouraged her son after a tough inning. She emphasized the importance of kindness, stating, "We have the choice to be kind and good and to try to make the world a better place." Dr. LaFemina expressed her eagerness to see the umpire return to the field, highlighting the community spirit that binds them all together.