It has been a decade since Lagniappe first reported on the Heart for Athletes campaign. It was started by Amy Cockrell after her son, Sam, suffered from a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) at the age of 16.
A highly competitive triathlete, he collapsed after swimming in a pool in Daphne in May 2013. Fortunately, Dr. Aaron Morgan, a University of South Alabama (USA) family medicine resident, was present and immediately came to his aid.
The Heart for Athletes organization has had two main goals: to identify athletes, ages 13 to 18, who are at risk, and to make sure people are aware of the signs of SCA and have instructions on how to respond.
Lagniappe recently caught up with Mrs. Cockrell for an update on the program. To learn more about the program, visit their new website at heartforathletes.org.
Sam Cockrell, his wife, Olivia, and their two children, Charlotte and Sam Jr.
Courtesy of Amy Cockrell.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Lagniappe: We did the first story on Heart for Athletes in 2014. Did you have any idea you would still be doing it in 2024?
Cockrell: It is incredible to think that 10 years have passed since our first heart screening. The fact that we are still doing heart screenings is a testament to the importance of the work and the impact that we are having in the community. The impact we’ve made and the lives we have touched have been our driving force.
Lagniappe: Your involvement started with Sam surviving from sudden cardiac arrest. How is he doing now?
Cockrell: Sam’s survival from sudden cardiac arrest was a catalyst for starting Heart for Athletes, and I’m happy to share that he is doing well now. His experience has been the driving force behind our continued efforts in heart screening and AED/CPR [automated external defibrillator/cardiopulmonary resuscitation] awareness. Seeing him graduate from college, get married and have children has not only inspired our work but also brought hope and awareness to many others in the community.
Sam now lives in Greenville, Alabama, with his wife, Olivia, and their two children, Charlotte, 2, and Sam Jr., 5 months. He is a plant engineer manager with Arclin. Sam and his family are grateful every day for the faithfulness of the Lord displayed in his life.
Lagniappe: Are you still a pharmacist at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital? Are you still involved with Project ADAM, the nationwide project that emphasizes the importance of AED and CPR training?
Cockrell: I have worked at Children’s & Women’s Hospital since 2002. Although my work as a pharmacist does not overlap with work with Heart for Athletes, USA Health supports our mission through their involvement with Project ADAM. Project ADAM is a great asset to the community and provides cardiac emergency response planning tools to schools, parks and recreation areas. I volunteer my time as the program coordinator of Project ADAM for USA Health. We collaborate closely with Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham through their SCA awareness program, Alabama LifeStart.
Together, we are making a significant impact across the state of Alabama in our efforts to prevent sudden cardiac death in youth. In the first year after Project ADAM South Alabama started, every Baldwin County public school, as well as the Saraland public school system, earned the “Heart Safe School” designation.
IMPACT FELT
Lagniappe: How much impact do you think the program has had over the years?
Cockrell: Heart for Athletes has had a profound impact in Alabama over the years through its heart screenings and CPR and AED awareness and education programs. By providing heart screenings, the organization has been able to identify potential cardiac issues early, which is crucial for preventing sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes. This proactive approach has undoubtedly saved lives and provided peace of mind to many families.
Additionally, the emphasis on CPR and AED training has empowered countless individuals in the community to respond effectively in cardiac emergencies. This widespread education ensures that more people are prepared to act quickly and confidently, increasing the chances of survival for those who experience SCA. As an example of the importance of these awareness efforts, in 2023, Saraland High School saved the life of a parent who suffered from SCA on the school campus just six short months after they earned their “Heart Safe School” designation.
Overall, Heart for Athletes has significantly contributed to creating a safer environment for athletes and the broader community. The combination of early detection through screenings and the promotion of life-saving skills has made a lasting difference in the fight against death from sudden cardiac arrest.
Lagniappe: How many athletes have you tested?
Cockrell: We have screened 5,552 students. Most have been in Baldwin and Mobile counties but we are beginning to expand our screening efforts to other areas in the state.
Lagniappe: How many have learned of a problem with their heart?
Cockrell: Statistically, it has been shown that one in 300 children have a heart condition that puts them at risk for SCA. At our screening events, we have identified 12 youth with such conditions. The most common causes we’ve found, in order of prevalence, are WPW [Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome], HCM [Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy] and LQTS [Long QT Syndrome]. Several other children have been identified with non-life-threatening but serious cardiac issues that require annual follow-up.
Lagniappe: Is Dr. Batten still involved with Heart for Athletes?
Cockrell: Yes, Dr. Lynn Batten is still actively involved with Heart for Athletes. As the director of the division of pediatric cardiology at the University of South Alabama, she continues to partner with the organization to conduct heart screenings and raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes. Her ongoing commitment has been instrumental in advancing the mission of Heart for Athletes and ensuring the safety and well-being of young athletes in the community.
