How Elizabeth Banks Saved a Woman's Life

It's the day before Thanksgiving and everyone is counting their blessings, but this year, one woman has something extra to be thankful for -- she's sharing how a video made by actress Elizabeth Banks saved her life, one year ago today.

In 2011, Elizabeth starred in and directed the comedic, and ultimately life-saving short film "Just a Little Heart Attack," for the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women Movement. (You can watch the video here.)

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Christie Thompson, 51, of Jefferson City, Missouri, received the video in an email forwarded by her sister-in-law, and watched it and had a good chuckle, but didn't think more of it. Little did she know, only a month later, she found herself experiencing the symptoms mentioned in the video. Because of the short film, she knew she was having a heart attack, called 911, and lived to tell the tale!

"When I first viewed the film 'Just a Little Heart Attack,' I laughed out loud. As a single mom raising two kids, I remember those crazy mornings trying to get everyone out the door on time and caring for everyone but myself," Christie tells ET. She adds, "Had the video not made me laugh, I don't think I would have retained the message about not ignoring heart attack symptoms, because I had no risk factors for heart disease."

"Because of Elizabeth Banks' dedication to this wonderful film, I am alive today! I am extremely grateful for her commitment to making this short film funny and memorable so that women like me are able to 'get the message,'" Christie says.

Related: Elizabeth Banks' Parenting Approach

Watch the video above to Christie's heartfelt thank you to Elizabeth, who just recently welcomed her second son. To learn more about the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women campaign, visit www.goredforwomen.org.