A Chance Encounter Turns into a Battle Against Time

This story was originally shared by Union Square CEO Marisa Rodriguez at a Union Square Board Meeting.

A Life on the Brink: A Chance Encounter Turns into a Battle Against Time

Ambassador Jerome Hunter helped save one man’s life on the streets of San Francisco.

While traveling down Stockton Street toward Ellis and Market, Ambassador Jerome Hunter noticed two men sitting in the alcove of the building at 800 Market Street. From a distance, it was clear they were using drugs. Rather than ignore the situation, he chose to engage with kindness, hoping that a simple act of hospitality might shift the dynamic. As he approached them, he greeted them and asked how their day was going.

One of the men glanced up, his gaze distant, but then his expression shifted. Without warning, his eyes rolled back, and within seconds, his complexion began to change–first pale, then an alarming shade of purple. Realizing something was terribly wrong, Ambassador Hunter immediately dialed 911. At that same moment, a passerby quickly stepped in and began performing chest compressions while Mr. Hunter relayed the situation to the emergency dispatcher.

Minutes passed, and the good samaritan began to fatigue. Without hesitation, Ambassador Hunter took over, keeping the 911 dispatcher on speaker. They urged him to apply more pressure with each compression. Following their instructions, he pressed harder, hoping it would make a difference. Slowly, the man’s color began to return, and to his immense relief, the gentleman started to move, regaining consciousness. Moments later, the ambulance arrived, and medical professionals took over, ensuring he got the care he desperately needed.