Man Thanks Lucky Stars After Starbucks Worker Saves His Life

Getting your morning coffee usually isn’t followed by near-death experiences, unexpected friendships, and emergency hospital visits, but that wasn’t the case for Nicole McNeil. As a Starbucks barista, saving lives wasn’t in her job description...until one man walked in with a story that changed both of their lives forever.

Barista Pro

Nicole’s job was fairly standard: As a Starbucks barista, her mornings were spent as a background character in someone else’s day. She got to know a few faces over time, from the lady who always requests soy to the man who prefers black coffee...

Above and Beyond

But that’s usually it. She took their order, prepared their drinks, then sent them on their way. It would have been out of the ordinary — even strange — for Nicole to strike up a conversation with her regulars...but Nicole isn’t an ordinary barista. 

Forming a Bond

This was something Vince Villano soon discovered himself. One of Nicole’s regular customers, the two had a regular customer/employee relationship...until one January morning, when something about Vince made Nicole cross that line between customer and employee.

Something Wrong

That morning, Nicole noticed Vince’s unusual demeanor. He was fidgety and distracted, clearly upset about something. She had no idea the enormity of what Vince was dealing with...and how his days were all but numbered.