In June 2021, two Crawford County parents were given the news no parent wants to hear. When they went to feed their almost two year old son Kolson his granola bar for breakfast, the infant ended up choking on the same thing he ate every morning. Kolson was rushed to Pittsburgh Children's Hospital. That's when he went into cardiac arrest and eventually passed away.

Now his parents are working diligently to bring awareness to choking deaths in children. They've been donating devices called LifeVac that in case of a choking emergency, can help bring the food up and out.

Cortney Novosel, Kolson's mom says she's doing this to spread awareness and keep Kolson's memory alive.

"This is good for the protection of our community and our children and the people we share a life with. It's also really good for our family and for our grieving process as well, for Kolson to have a voice," explains Novosel. 

Through their Facebook page called Kolson's Krew, they're sharing their story.

"Do something good and also have a space where his life can have purpose," says Novosel. 

That's exactly what Cortney Novosel and Travis Confer set out to do when their baby, almost two year old Kolson died after chocking on his breakfast back in June. When Erie News Now talked to them in July, they wanted to make sure they spread the word about choking dangers, through LifeVac donations. 

"For us, if we had known about the LifeVac, our story might have been really different. If it was just a simple matter about not knowing about this device that could have saved his life. The thought of this happening to someone else just because someone didn't know about the device, I think is what keeps us going," says Novosel. 

Travis and Cortney have worked hard to get these devices in high traffic areas with children. They've donated around 30 LifeVac to places in Crawford County and around the country. TfreeKidz Daycare in Titusville received one, hand delivered by Travis, Kolson's dad.

"It could happen to anybody. You're not immune to it, don't think it couldn't happen to you. It is awesome they're getting the word out about how dangerous it actually is and that chocking can lead to death," says Assistant Director of the daycare, Amelia Walton. 

This won't bring Kolson back. But Cortney says it lessens the pain, and keeps his memory alive.

"We still have plans for growth within what we're doing. It's starting out really good and I think our main objective is to get those life saving devices out to save children," says Novosel. 

You can keep up to date with everything they're doing on their Facebook page, Kolson's Krew.