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Written by: Matt Wilson - Breese Journal Reporter

Deb Keilbach was a personal donor and 1NB Bank was the other donor of two new AED machines at HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese. Pictured are, FROM LEFT, HSHS Chief Administrative Officer Mandi Ennen, 1NB Bank Chief Operating Officer Chad Holthaus, Keilbach, Market Director of Foundation for the HSHS Southern Market Dave Garris, and HSHS Foundation Philanthropy Officer Emily Wilson. Photo by Matt Wilson    Deb Keilbach saw her opportunity to give back to the community.
    Keilbach was a personal donor for one of the new Automated External Defibrillator (AED) machines at HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese. 1NB Bank, Keilbach's employer for the last 35 years, agreed to fund a second AED at the hospital.
    One of the AEDs is located in the lobby and the other AED is located in the Outpatient Center.
    "We are just so grateful for Deb and 1NB Bank for their generous support of this project," said Emily Wilson, philanthropy officer of HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital Breese Foundation.
    Keilbach understands the importance of AED machines.
    On March 12, 2021, her husband, Ken, suffered injuries from a fall while working at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. He suffered a heart attack during the fall.
    Two ladies that worked at the SIUE Student Fitness Center reacted immediately and revived Ken using an AED. Their quick efforts, along with the first responders and hospital staff, gave Ken a chance at survival.
    Unfortunately, after eight days Ken was unable to overcome the injuries from the fall. Keilbach said those eight days were terrifying for herself, her daughter, her son, as well as family and friends. At that time COVID-19 restrictions were in place, so time at Ken's bedside was limited so only one person per day could be with him. They stayed in a hotel within walking distance of the hospital.
    Keilbach said the outpouring of love and support she, Ken and her family received from the SIUE community and the Clinton County community was overwhelming. The support included prayer chains, personal messages, and food delivered not only to her family but also the fourth floor ICU doctors and staff that cared for Ken. Each night the hotel accommodations were paid for by people they knew or people in the community. All of their personal needs were taken care of while the family stayed at Ken's side.
    "Although we tried, there was no way to thank everyone individually for their kindness," Keilbach said.
    Keilbach is a board member of the HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital Breese Foundation. Wilson approached Keilbach about the funding need for the AED machines.
    "As she went over this need, I immediately saw this as my opportunity to do something in return for the Clinton County community and St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese," Keilbach said. "I understood that access to an AED could give someone in need a chance at life."
    Keilbach said Clinton County is a very tight-knit community and helping fund the AED machines is just her way of thanking the people that have supported her family.
    "Our hope is that these Automated External Defibrillators can give someone a second chance to life if faced with such a situation," Keilbach said.
    HSHS Chief Administrative Officer Mandi Ennen said minutes are critical when it comes to heart attacks. She was grateful the hospital was able to find two wonderful donors for the new AED machines.