Saving his sister is just part of the job of big brother
The word hero gets overused in regular conversations.
Not this time.
Adam Pietras, 13, a guest on this Sunshine Foundation Mercer County Chapter “Dreamlift” to Disney World, earned hero status in April 2015.
“Adam was playing outside with his sister, Rachael, the neighbor’s dog got under the chain link fence that separated our backyard,” his mother recalled.
And not just any dog - a Bullmastiff. Think large canine with a powerful, muscular build.
Adam watched as the dog charged his younger sister. He pushed his the sevenyear-old sibling away and screamed for her to run.
The Bullmastiff headed toward Adam. Pietras suffered bites on his wrist and ankle. The dog then tore into Adam’s left arm.
“Yes, I was afraid. Really afraid. But I had to save my sister,” Pietras said.
“And the mayor gave me an award. That was pretty cool.”
Pietras, 10 at the time of the incident, needed 200 stitches.
Hamilton Twp. Mayor Kelly Yaede honored Pietras’ heroic efforts while the Boy Scouts gave him a Medal of Honor special award.
Many heroes on board this Miami International aircraft, young people who face daily physical, mental and emotional challenges.
Parents and chaperones, teachers and courageous brothers with autism who stand tall and tough under duress.