Tyson Yeck arrived at Max LeeKwai’s secluded cabin, located about an hour north of Portland, Oregon, brimming with excitement and anticipation for a weekend of competition. Yeck, LeeKwai, and 17 of their fraternity brothers from the University of Oregon gathered to compete in the “Boiling Man Cabin Games,” a name inspired by a hilarious incident involving a hot tub during a previous get-together. The victorious team would earn a specially engraved axe and the coveted bragging rights that come with winning such a spirited reunion.
LeeKwai envisioned this reunion and friendly competition, dividing everyone into teams for various games, including one called “The Blind Samurai.” This event required a blindfolded teammate to navigate an obstacle course while striking pool noodles with a bamboo sword. The gathering commenced on a Friday in August 2022, with the group enjoying a hearty dinner of pulled pork, reminiscing about their college experiences, and discussing their careers and families. The following morning, they savored breakfast burritos and geared up for their first challenge of the day: badminton.
Yeck excelled in the badminton match, contributing significantly to his team’s score with agile net returns, a feat reflecting his dedicated fitness regimen—he lifted weights every morning and cycled on his exercise bike five days a week. Just the prior weekend, he had participated in a grueling 26.3-mile charity hike through the mountains. Following badminton, the friends transitioned to “forest soccer,” where LeeKwai established a makeshift field with PVC pipe goals. As they navigated through ferns and roots to score, Yeck’s team took their turn, and while chasing the ball, Yeck began feeling fatigued. However, he dismissed it as just part of the game.
After completing their round, Yeck collapsed onto the ground, face down. Initially, LeeKwai thought Yeck was joking, perhaps throwing a playful tantrum over the narrow loss. But as the seconds ticked by, concern started to settle in. LeeKwai, a volunteer firefighter trained in emergency medical response, rushed over and quickly realized that Yeck was not just down; he was gasping for air. At that moment, LeeKwai understood that his friend was experiencing cardiac arrest, a situation where the heart ceases to beat due to electrical malfunctions.
As a fellow member called for emergency assistance, LeeKwai initiated CPR, asking another to fetch his emergency medical gear from the cabin. While performing chest compressions, images of Yeck’s family flooded his mind: his wife Holly, and their children, Skyler and Brooklyn. Coincidentally, the area was hosting a massive event, the Providence Hood and Portland To Coast Relay, which meant that ambulances and first responders were on standby. Although help was closer than usual, there was still a risk of road congestion affecting response times.
For 20 intense minutes, LeeKwai continued CPR while his friends offered motivating shouts of support. One of the men prepared LeeKwai’s bag valve mask, assisting in providing air to Yeck’s lungs. When a team of volunteer first responders arrived from the Mist-Birkenfeld Rural Fire Protection District, they utilized an automated external defibrillator (AED) to restore a recognizable heartbeat. With the nearest hospital located an hour’s drive away, the first responders called for a helicopter ambulance.
Utilizing cans of spray paint meant for marking the competition, the friends created a large H to signify a helicopter landing zone. As the helicopter departed, the gravity of the situation sunk in, leaving behind a somber silence. One member of the group contacted Yeck’s parents and Holly, who had to pull over as she received the distressing news. As one person drove to Portland to meet Yeck’s family at the hospital, the others struggled to make sense of the eerie turn of events.
Once at the hospital in Portland, Yeck’s heart stopped several additional times. Fortunately, medical personnel managed to revive him each time. He underwent emergency surgery to have a heart pump installed and received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), a device designed to restore a normal heart rhythm if necessary. Although Yeck, then 43 years old, faced uncertainty about the cause of his cardiac arrest, this device provided a safety net for the future.
A week after his hospital ordeal, Yeck returned home, but basic tasks like walking or tying his shoes proved challenging. The following day, LeeKwai visited, and amidst emotional conversation, Yeck expressed profound gratitude, saying, “Thank you for saving my life,” leading both men to tears. Yeck underwent six weeks of cardiac rehabilitation focusing on retraining his body, starting with modest goals like reaching the mailbox, progressing to more ambitious feats.
Gradually, he resumed activities including cycling, rowing, and light weightlifting. Just two weeks post-hospitalization, he returned to his role as vice president of corporate accounts at a seafood company. Amazed by the turn of events, he reflected on being part of the small percentage of individuals who survive cardiac arrest outside of a hospital, calling his recovery a miracle—thanks to LeeKwai’s swift actions and the dedication of medical professionals.
Despite overcoming many hurdles, Yeck experienced more heart-related challenges, including irregular rhythms spotted while swimming. He underwent cardioversion to restore a normal heart rhythm and an ablation to correct further issues. Initially viewing these health problems as weaknesses, he shifted his perspective to embrace a mission focused on love and service. “I no longer take life for granted,” he shared.
Today, he approaches life with less stress and a deeper appreciation for community support and faith. Emphasizing the importance of CPR training, Yeck initiated a program at his workplace to ensure that emergency preparedness became a priority, encouraging his fraternity brothers to do the same. At the 2023 Boiling Man Cabin Games, Yeck received the engraved axe, gained bragging rights, and was honored with a soccer ball signed by friends, first responders, and the healthcare team. His triumph was recognized as the most significant win due to the life-altering struggle he had faced.
Following this event, LeeKwai procured an AED for his own use, whether at home or during trips, especially to his cabin. He echoed his gratitude for the training that equipped him to respond effectively during Tyson’s crisis, and together, they cherish the lesson learned about the fragility and value of life, pushing forward with a renewed spirit and camaraderie.
