Seems to me that this nobleness of spirit runs in your family GA! 
Natural to act first and think later. None of us quite know how we will be in times of crisis, but for some it is just simply not possible to stand by and do nothing - or less ...
Congratulations to your family member. We live in a time of quiet heroes and to be properly recognised for something of such magnitude is a good thing.
He will be a source of pride and inspiration for his family for many , many years too. And yes, thank God the outcome was 'gain' not loss.
Am I being taken for granted, or is this just what being a grandparent is today?
What medical conditions seem more common now than when you were growing up?


