A Valley pharmacist is being honored for going above and beyond to save the life of a patient in medical need.

Kanu Patel, the manager of Fry’s Pharmacy near the corner of 43rd Avenue and Bell Road, noticed that when 84-year-old Nanette Koch picked up her prescription, she was exhibiting a number of worrying symptoms.

It was a hot June day and Koch was experiencing high blood pressure, difficulty breathing and swollen limbs. Patel advised her to see a cardiologist as soon as possible. When she couldn’t find one, he took it upon himself to contact a cardiologist friend who was able to examine her the next day.

“The cardiologist said (Patel’s) guidance and care ultimately saved the patient’s life,” Fry’s Food Stores said in a statement.

The cardiologist discovered that Koch was suffering from atrial fibrillation and three blocked arteries, and a successful operation was performed to preserve her health.

The company honored Patel this week with the AllSafe! Angel Award, which is given to employees who “perform life-saving actions … in one of their stores.”

In the video player above, ABC15’s Jordan Bontke talks with Patel about the simple act of kindness that helped a great-grandmother spend even more special years with her family.