Attack survivor thanks first responders who saved her life

WILLOWBROOK, Ill. (WLS) -- A woman who survived a brutal attack in her west suburban home thanked the officers and paramedics who saved her life Saturday.

The reunion took place at Borse Memorial Park in Willowbrook.

Back in August, 26-year-old Melissa Schuster was stabbed more than 17 times and sexually assaulted.

ABC7 Eyewitness News usually doesn't identify victims of alleged sexual attacks, but schuster said she wanted to share her story to help others.

"The paramedics as my first responders, they, I believe, truly saved my life," Schuster said Saturday. "If it wasn't for them, I don't really think that I would be here today."

Police have arrested 31-year-old Londale Madison of South Bend, Ind., in the attack. He faces several charges, including attempted first degree murder.