(WAUWATOSA) - This time of year, colds, coughs and sore throats are as common a passing winter storm.  In most cases, the symptoms gradually disappear but when a chronic condition goes from a nuisance to a medical emergency, the patient can only hope there's a team of saviors there to treat what ails them. 

For Tom Johnson it was a shortness of breath that came after a cold which prompted a recent visit to Froedtert Hospital. What doctors originally thought was a simple case of pneumonia turned much more serious when they discovered a large tumor blocking his airway.

On CBS 58 Sunday Morning, Jacquelyn Abad shares the story of a life-saving response that provided the 66-year old teacher with a breath of fresh air.