UPDATE: Two women became instant heroes in downtown Chicago on November 18, 2025, after they courageously intervened to recover a stolen purse, saving a woman from a whirlwind of anxiety and stress.
While visiting Millennium Park, Lavonne Schaafsma experienced a heart-stopping moment when she discovered her black purse—containing her ID, credit cards, medications, and several hundred dollars—was missing. “My anxiety started in my legs, then my gut, then right on my chest,” Lavonne recalled, revealing the panic that gripped her.
After searching for over an hour, Lavonne felt an inexplicable urge to check a nearby gift shop. To her astonishment, the cashier confirmed that two women had brought in her lost purse just thirty minutes earlier.
According to the cashier, these brave women had spotted Lavonne’s purse sitting on a bench with a man rummaging through it. Sensing something was off, they boldly approached him, asking if the purse belonged to him. He mumbled that it was his wife’s, but they instinctively knew something was wrong.
With swift action, the women pretended the purse was theirs and managed to wrest it away from the man. Once they secured it, they rushed to the gift shop, hoping to return it to its rightful owner. Their decisive actions ensured that Lavonne would avoid a tangled mess of stress and logistical issues.
“I never got to thank them for their courage… for intervening on behalf of a stranger who wasn’t even present,” Lavonne expressed, emphasizing the emotional impact of their heroic deed.
This incident highlights the profound effect that ordinary individuals can have when they step in to help others in distress. The women’s actions not only saved Lavonne’s belongings but also restored her faith in humanity.
As stories of bravery and kindness circulate, this incident serves as a reminder that everyday heroes are among us, ready to act when it matters most. The community is urged to celebrate such acts of courage and to remain vigilant in supporting one another.
Stay tuned for more updates on this inspiring story and others like it, as we continue to share the latest developments in acts of heroism across the globe.
