Keith Hooper was the picture of health: a long-distance runner, running coach and beloved Spanish teacher. But on what began as an ordinary school day earlier this year, his heart gave out — right in the middle of class.

He glanced at his watch. It was 12:08 p.m. on Jan. 15. He was teaching fourth-period honors Spanish at River Ridge High School in Woodstock when something felt wrong.

“My heart felt like it was spinning. I was nauseous,” said Hooper, 59. “My students later told me I looked as white as the walls.”

Hooper didn’t panic. He emailed the school nurse, asking her to send a wheelchair to his classroom.

Minutes later, he was being wheeled out of class and into the school clinic. Shocked colleagues and friends rushed to his side, showing concern and offering prayers. All the whi

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