Dove of the Day - May 18, 2025

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Featured on S4 Ep157: Faith Through Hardships and Inspiring Today's Youth

Christopher Gutierrez

​Christopher Gutierrez’s quick thinking and generosity became the saving grace for 28-year-old Tiffany Slaton, who survived three harrowing weeks lost in California’s Sierra Nevada wilderness. Slaton set out on a solo hike on April 20, but her plans took a drastic turn when a fall and an avalanche left her stranded. Out of food and supplies, she relied on foraging leeks and melting snow to survive, losing most of her gear along the way.

On May 13, after days of navigating the rugged terrain, Slaton stumbled upon Vermilion Valley Resort, owned by Gutierrez. Thanks to his practice of leaving cabins open for emergencies, she found shelter. Gutierrez, who discovered her after about eight hours, immediately recognized her despite her silence when she ran to him for a hug. “It was a surreal moment,” he shared, knowing he was witnessing the end of her ordeal.
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His act of keeping cabins accessible for those in need may have saved Slaton’s life. Weak and dehydrated but miraculously in good condition, she was taken to a hospital for treatment. Slaton later expressed deep gratitude for Gutierrez’s life-saving kindness, stating that without the resort, "I would not be here.”

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