A USPS wallet in Chicago helped save the life of an elderly woman who fell and was unable to call for help.
(CNN) -
When a wallet from the US Postal Service (USPS) noticed that an elderly woman had not picked up her mail in three days, it had an overwhelming feeling that something was wrong.
Shonda Lemon, 34, has served as a USPS Portfolio in Chicago for eight years.
He often greeted Helen Iwanski, 89, during her work.
Although they exchanged few words, she said their relationship was sweet.
"I've always had a soft spot for the elderly," Lemon told CNN.
"So when I meet the elderly, they just occupy a special place in my heart."
Lemon wrapped rubber bands around Iwanski's mail so he could easily grasp it.
Iwanski would randomly put candy in his outgoing mail for Lemon as a gift.
"I knew she was a kind and considerate old woman, so when she came to the door, I was watching her," Lemon said.
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The fall
But on January 14, Lemon noticed that Iwanski hadn't picked up his mail in several days.
"It was extraordinary for her to receive her mail, especially with the elastic rubber bands," Lemon said.
He sensed something was wrong, so he decided to call the police for a wellness check.
When authorities were able to enter Iwanski's home, they found her lying on the ground from a fall.
Several days had passed.
She was admitted to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois, the same day, her niece Mary Mason said.
Lemon said he started crying when an agent called to tell him that Iwanski was found alive.
"I was very relieved because my heart was in my throat," Lemon said.
He could hear the sirens coming out of Iwanski's house as he continued his route through the neighborhood.
"I was so overwhelmed that I cried."
The woman was hospitalized and is in recovery
Iwanski's family told CNN that the woman remained in the hospital for a week and is now recovering in a rehab center.
They are thankful that Lemon was there at the right time.
"She [Lemon] really takes care of people and cares about them," Mason said, adding that she usually helps her aunt with shopping and clothes, adding that her aunt called Lemon her "angel."
In a statement to CNN, the USPS said it is proud of the actions Lemon took to help Iwanski.
"Postal Service employees know the habits of their customers and the rhythms of their communities, and they are often the first to notify emergency personnel and provide assistance when something is wrong," the USPS said in the statement.
“Employees have been praised for going beyond the call of duty in a variety of situations, such as helping lost children, getting help for sick or injured users, detecting fires and more.
It is another example of the heroic actions taken by an employee in the neighborhood they serve.
Lemon said he is counting the days until Iwanski gets out of the rehab center.
"Each person has an intricate part of his life," he said, "and you never know how important it is."
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