Blair, 16, suffered sudden cardiac arrest while running on her high school track with the cross country team.  A nurse who was watching a nearby field hockey game saw Blair collapse and ran over to see if she was ok. She immediately realized Blair was in cardiac arrest and started to administer CPR, then told a bystander to retrieve an AED. When the AED arrived Blair was shocked twice. The underlying cause of Blair’s SCA remains unknown.

Alexis, age 10, collapsed in the pickup line at school.  CPR was started and the school nurse arrived to take over.  An AED was retrieved and a shock was advised.  Alexis arrived at Children’s Hospital emergency room, and though she was unresponsive, she had a normal brain CT.  She began to slowly respond to the nurses and doctors.  Alexis was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome and received an implanted defibrillator.

Landon was born with bicuspid aortic stenosis. Identified by an echo his pediatrician requested after hearing a murmur during an office visit, his condition was severe enough to warrant surgery. On surgery day during pre-op, doctor’s miraculously downgraded Landon’s condition from severe to mild, with surgery no longer recommended. Now 4 years old, Landon gets a monthly echo and will need an ultimate valve replacement as an adult. While he will not be able to join the military like is father and grandfather or play sports, he is alive due in part to the early recognition of his heart condition.

On September 9, 2012, Spencer, an otherwise healthy 16 year old, went to a basketball workout in his high school gym. Thirty minutes later, he collapsed…his heart stopped. Because of the actions of his coach, another adult and medical first responders, Spencer was able to survive his cardiac arrest, and have another chance at life. Two days later Spencer had an ICD implanted. He is working his way back to being active, and looks forward to a return to the baseball field next Spring. The cause of his sudden cardiac arrest remains unknown.

Brittany’s life was saved from sudden cardiac arrest on October 11, 2006, while playing volleyball. The quick thinking of her coaches and the use of an AED restored her heartbeat. Brittney’s diagnosis is Long QT Syndrome. She has been shocked once since having her ICD implanted.

Zachary, age 15, was running track while training for the ROTC when he suddenly collapsed. The school nurse and a police officer saw him and performed CPR within 2 minutes. He went to the hospital in Martinsburg, West Virginia and was then airlifted to Washington, D.C. Children’s National Medical Center and received an ICD seven days later.

On February 17, 2010, Drew collapsed at school during a basketball game. A teacher, school officer, and two school nurses performed CPR and used an AED on Drew. He was shocked four times and survived only because his school was very well prepared. Drew has made full recovery and will be playing college baseball next year. The cause of his sudden cardiac arrest is unknown.

On May 3, 2014, Joshua, age 15, and his family were driving home from dinner at a restaurant when he said he felt dizzy. When they pulled over, he lost consciousness and was unresponsive. The first responders worked on him and shocked him once with an AED. He was taken to the hospital and placed in a medically induced coma for three days. He received an ICD and was discharged after 11 days at the hospital. The underlying cause of Joshua’s cardiac arrest is unknown. Genetic testing results did not identify a cause.

Kayla was 20 years old and a student-athlete when she suffered sudden cardiac arrest. In 2002, during New Year’s Eve dinner and celebration at home with her teammates, Kayla collapsed on her bed. Her teammates administered CPR until paramedics arrived 4 minutes later to use an AED. Kayla was in a 15 hour coma and later had an ICD implanted. The cause of her cardiac arrest is still unknown. Her device fired once during a basketball game nearly 5 years ago, but has since had no problems.

William survived an SCA event on April 9, 2019 at the age of 12.  He has been diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome and has since made a full recovery.

Carrigan and Carter’s story began in 2010, while trying to treat unexplained abdominal pain in Carrigan, then 12 years old. Over the course of a year Carrigan had every possible gastrointestinal (GI) test imaginable, all having negative results. Almost a year later her parents decided to seek treatment with a pain clinic; their recommendation was to put her on a medication. Standard practice prior to beginning the medication was to have an EKG. Carrigan’s EKG indicated that she had Long QT syndrome (LQTS). Her pain stopped within weeks of starting on a beta blocker. Carrigan and her brother Carter have since had genetic testing and both tested positive for LQTS1.

Matt, 20, was at work on a forklift when he collapsed in cardiac arrest.  His co-worker called 911 and administered CPR with the help of another co-worker until paramedics arrived with an AED. He was shocked three times before being transported to the hospital. Once there, he was put in an induced therapeutic hypothermia. Doctors could not find the underlying cause of Matt’s cardiac arrest, but determined that a cardioverter-defibrillator should be implanted in the event his heart stops again.

On May 15, 2013, Sam, a 16 year old avid triathlete, suffered SCA during swim practice. Because of the quick actions from bystanders who witnessed the event and performed early CPR and defibrillation with an AED, Sam’s life was saved. At the hospital, Sam was diagnosed with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD) and implanted with an ICD.

Mike collapsed during class in December, 2005. The school athletic director administered CPR, and the EMS used medications and applied defibrillation. Mike had gone approximately 20 minutes without oxygen. When taken to the hospital, a cutting-edge hypothermia treatment was used to immediately lower Mike’s core body temperature. It slows down the internal system to prevent damage. He was on a respirator for five days and did not wake up from a coma for a week. His chance of surviving without serious brain damage was very low. But when Mike awoke, brain function was normal. He now has an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD), but the cause of his sudden cardiac arrest is still unknown.

For two years, Tyler experienced chest pain, palpitations and shortness of breath while being misdiagnosed. Finally, he saw an electrophysiologist who made a diagnosis of Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT), and had surgery in January, 2006. Tyler wants to help his community understand sudden cardiac arrest.

On January 27, 2010, Kasandra suffered sudden cardiac arrest at age 16 while sleeping. She appeared healthy and had no prior symptoms. Kasandra survived thanks to her family’s quick thinking of administering CPR and the paramedics use of an AED. Upon arrival at the hospital she was immediately cooled to help prevent brain damage and put on an ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) machine. While in the hospital, she also suffered from a TIA stroke due to a blood clot that formed. The cause of Kasandra’s sudden cardiac arrest was Long QT syndrome. Kasandra received and ICD and spent about a month in the hospital before being able to return home.

Kasandra’s diagnosis led to potentially saving her sister’s life. The doctors now believe that Long QT syndrome is what caused her mother’s death at the age of 26 years old.

Natasha was diagnosed with Long QT syndrome after her 16 year old sister suffered sudden cardiac arrest while sleeping. The doctors now believe that Long QT syndrome is what caused her mother’s death at the age of 26 years old.

Natasha and her sister embrace the opportunity to raise awareness of SCA, the importance of AEDs and helping give others a second chance at life.

On January 27, 2011, James, a healthy 15 year old high school football player left the house to shovel snow with his friends. Shortly thereafter one of his friends came in the house and alerted his father that James had collapsed on the driveway and something was wrong. His mother immediately called 9-1-1, while his father ran outside to find him unresponsive and groaning. He quickly began rescue breaths and chest compressions. The police arrived within minutes and were equipped with an AED. They administered a shock and James was taken to the hospital where an ICD was implanted. James is alive today because of the fast actions of his friends, family and the Monmouth Beach Police Department. His family is forever grateful and will do whatever they can to help prevent SCA from taking another child.

On April 15, 2009, 15-year-old Claire had just finished a high school softball game when she suddenly fell backwards and seemed to be having a seizure. The trainer for the school started CPR after she lost consciousness. An off-duty firefighter came over and told the trainer to get the AED, which started Claire’s heart beating again. An ambulance arrived about seven minutes later and transported her to the hospital where she remained in ICU for five days.

Doctors placed had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in Claire’s chest. The underlying condition that caused her SCA is unknown.

On March 15, 2012, Claire passed out while chatting with her college professor. Her heart rate raced enough to trigger a shock from her ICD. The underlying condition of her SCA remains unknown.

Story Coming Soon!

On May 11, 2005, Kaitlin suffered sudden cardiac arrest at age 15, while playing softball during gym class at school. She was revived by CPR and the use of an AED. The medical results showed that Kaitlin suffered from myocarditis brought on by a cold. The infection was identified as mycoplasma, otherwise known as walking pneumonia. Kaitlin now has a pacemaker due to an “electrical block”.

In July 2012, Xhosa, age 17, suffered cardiac arrest while playing basketball at a school. His father immediately performed CPR and the school’s AED was retrieved and used to restart Xhosa’s heart. He has since had an ICD implanted. Doctors believed the cause of Xhosa’s cardiac arrest was Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), however the genetic test for HCM came back negative.

Kyle appears athletic and a healthy young man, however his body looks are deceiving. Within his body lies a silent killer, it is known as Arrythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD). In March of 2010, the autopsy report of Kyle’s uncle revealed that he died of ARVD. We’ve suffered the loss of an aunt and uncle to this disease. His parents were instructed to have the family genetically tested to see if they carried this genetic marker. On August 1, 2010 an Internal Cardiac Defibrillator was installed in his chest wall to possibly prevent him from sudden cardiac death. Kyle’s grandmother, mother, and brother are also affected by the condition.

Lily, a 13-year-old soccer play, developed a post-cold sinus infection that was being treated with antibiotics. On the morning of a tournament, she complained of feeling faint. She sat down as she completely lost vision and the color in her face and began sweating profusely as her mom called 911. Several EKGs suggested Long QT, and while the numbers were marginal, genetic testing later confirmed it. Lily is now asymptomatic as her condition is being managed with a betablocker and supplements to significantly reduce her risk of SCA. Her family learned CPR and purchased an AED.

Michaela was a three-sport varsity athlete, participating in basketball, soccer and track and field. During her senior year, she was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome, a genetic cardiac condition that is especially dangerous for athletes because of the way it causes a response to stress on the heart. She then had an ICD implanted.

Michaela’s experience with Long QT Syndrome and ICD therapy, combined with an exemplary positive outlook on life, has made her an enthusiastic advocate for education about heart disease.

Chris had just returned to the US after a yearlong deployment in the Persian Gulf as a member of the US Coast Guard. He was working out at the gym when he suffered sudden cardiac arrest. Thankfully, he was with a shipmate who was trained in CPR. He was revived with an AED and transported to the nearest naval hospital where he recovered and an ICD was placed. He has since gone on to run the Marine Corp Marathon and is on the Board of Directors of In A Heartbeat Foundation.

Alex was 12 years old when parents took him to the pediatrician for a routine examination.  His pediatrician became concerned after hearing an abnormal heart beat.  He was referred to a pediatric cardiologist who after a series of tests, diagnosed Alex with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome.  During his ablation it was found that the WPW pathway was benign but SVC was found further into the heart.  Alex considers himself fortunate and wants to pay it forward.

At age 14, Lucas was diagnosed with right anomalous coronary artery and was advised to have open heart surgery to correct it. As the condition put him at risk for SCA, without the surgery he could no longer play sports, which was unimaginable for this avid soccer athlete and active youth. Within a few weeks post-surgery he was back on the field and by junior year he made the varsity team. Knowing that comprehensive cardiac screening is not available to many youth, Lucas and his classmates founded Hearts Reborn, an advocacy group dedicated to SCA awareness and prevention.

16-year-old Zach suffered cardiac arrest during class in October, 2009. The availability of an AED and the actions of the school nurse saved his life. After spending two weeks in the hospital, it was determined that his arrest was caused by a virus. Since coming home, Zach has returned to school and opened a savings account to collect donations. These donations will provide AEDs, training and education to local non-profit organizations that otherwise would not have the funding for them. He is expected to make a complete recovery.

Story coming soon.

Xavier played football through high school and into college at Southeastern University where he is a pre-med student. It was thanks to a heart screening event at his college by Who We Play For that Xavier learned he had Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.  He has undergone three ablations to correct the extra electrical pathways in his heart.  Xavier has found his passion and purpose and is anxious to change the mindset of those involved with saving lives.

On August 31, 2016, 13-year-old Jarron, had a sudden cardiac arrest while playing basketball at the local rec center. The quick actions of first responders to administer CPR and use the onsite AED saved his life. Jarron underwent a battery of follow-up tests and four days after his 14th birthday had open heart surgery to repair an undetected congenital defect known as anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery. After a six-month recuperation, he’s back to playing basketball at school and in his summer league.

Owen was diagnosed at birth with Aortic Stenosis and Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (WPW). At two months of age, he went into heart failure and had emergency surgery. At age 11, he had multiple ablations to correct the WPW. Now 13, Owen is a very active youth, playing baseball, basketball and working with a personal trainer with few restrictions. He will likely have a future surgery to correct his stenosis and enlarged aorta, which was recently discovered. Our family had no history of heart conditions.

On October 18, 2006, as a routine football practice was winding up, Matt collapsed on the field after suffering sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). His heart had stopped, and he had no pulse. Thanks to the quick response of those at the scene and the hospital’s medical staff, Matt survived.

Critical to his survival was the successful implementation of what is known as “the chain of survival” – an immediate call to 911, early CPR, early defibrillation and immediate transport to an advance-care facility. Matt is on a mission to make sure that others who experience sudden cardiac arrest have the same advantage for survival as he had, including ready access to an AED.

Ryan, age 18, was looking at the moon with his father when he suddenly collapsed.  His older brother performed CPR while waiting for EMS to arrive.  The first responders shocked him several times before taking him to the hospital where he received hypothermia treatment and was put into a medically induced coma for several days.  After being rewarmed, Ryan woke up and eventually had an ICD implanted.  He has since graduated from high school and gone on to college.  The underlying cause of his cardiac arrest is unknown and genetic testing has not identified the cause.

Nicole was diagnosed with HCM after her pediatrician heard a heart murmur at her 6 year checkup. In 2015, at the age of 10, she went to the Mayo Clinic for a Septal Myectomy. On March 8, 2021 Nicole had a Sudden Cardiac Arrest while she was in school. High quality CPR by a team of angels and 6 shocks from an AED saved her life that day. Nicole is now the proud owner of an ICD. Her new motto is “You Only Live Twice!”