Zach, age 18, had just completed his first college baseball game when he went into cardiac arrest. Athletic trainers gave him CPR and used an AED and his heart was shocked into a normal rhythm. All tests were normal and no cause for the arrest has been identified. He has since received an ICD and returned to college and baseball.

Kelli was a healthy, 17-year-old who awoke one morning feeling dizzy, but thought it was because she hadn’t eaten. Once at school, she fainted while walking to class with friends, who called 911 and ran for the athletic trainer. When EMS arrived she was awake and alert but when she stood up, she went into SCA. EMS used an AED and the trainer performed CPR. After multiple cardiac arrests across the next 18 hours, she was diagnosed with severe myocarditis complicated by a suspected autoimmune disorder. She had an ICD implanted and is now on immunosuppressants.

On February 19, 2022, William collapsed while playing in soccer tournament in Howard County, Maryland. He had gone into sudden cardiac arrest as a result of a previously undetected congenital issue with one of his arteries. Miraculously, William’s life was saved on the field that day due to the quick action of a parent and a trainer who performed CPR and deployed an AED that was present for the event until paramedics arrived. Three days after his collapse, William underwent open-heart surgery to correct his artery. Amazingly, five months later William was back playing soccer, fully recovered with no restrictions. Now a high school junior, William is continuing to work towards his goal of playing soccer in college.

A competitive basketball player since a young age, Zadan’s parents knew the importance of EKG screening. An EKG, followed by an echocardiogram, led to Zadan’s diagnosis of left-ventricular non-compaction (LVNC).  Since then, Zadan has worked to raise awareness about sudden cardiac death in student athletes.  He led the effort to make his the first heart safe school in their region, and is now working with nurses and athletic trainers at seven other local high schools to advocate for certification.

At 25, Gregory was diagnosed with symptomatic Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome (WPW) after having continuous, horrible symptoms over the course of several months. The diagnosis explained many earlier, previously unexplained episodes in his childhood. After two surgeries from a first-class medical team, he was successfully cured of the disorder and now in the best shape of his life.

On a training run at age 27, Austin told his friend that his chest felt tight and suddenly collapsed. She immediately called 911 and a minute later, a good Samaritan stopped his car to start CPR. EMS used an AED within four minutes and Austin was rushed to the hospital where he was put into a medically induced coma. With no symptoms or warning signs, Austin was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. He survived a second cardiac arrest on October 24, 2018.

Haley a natural athlete who began her love for sports with track and settled into volleyball. For 6 years she played volleyball — recreational, school and competitive club teams.  Prior to her diagnosis of severe hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in 2021, she was also an active member of her high school volleyball team.

Though the diagnosis was devastating and life changing, Haley is grateful that her school’s county required an EKG evaluation.  If it was not for that diagnosis which led to an implantable cardiac defibrillator, Haley may not be here to share her story today.  She is proud to be affiliated with Who We Play For and is passionate about volunteering with the organization and sharing her story to save lives.

At age 25, with no prior history or symptoms, Daniel suffered a cardiac arrest at home. Witnessed by his three Eagle Scout friends, they immediately performed hands-only CPR (to the tune of Staying Alive) until EMS arrived. Daniel was shocked several times en route to the hospital, where he was put in a medically induced coma. He was found to have anomalous coronary artery, for which he received open heart surgery at a second hospital, and follow-up surgery later at a third hospital. After therapy he regained full physical and cognitive recovery and now works with his family to train communities in the cardiac chain of survival.

Matt collapsed during a football game in September 2006. His mother performed CPR as he laid on the track, but the use of an automated external defibrillator saved his life. After determining that he had experienced an arrhythmia, a defibrillator was implanted in Matt’s chest. Although Matt had to give up the game he loves, he expects football will play a big role in his future, and he looks forward to seizing the opportunity he has been given.

Savanna, age 14, suffered cardiac arrest on July 29, 2012, while in the family’s swimming pool. Her father, who was also in the pool, noticed something was wrong and kept her head above the water while screaming for help. Savanna’s mother came running and helped pull her out of the pool. Savanna’s sister called 911. Their neighbor, an off duty fireman, heard the call on his scanner and quickly responded while EMS arrived. An ICD was installed in Savanna’s chest before leaving the hospital.

Coming Soon – Kevin’s story!

Teddy, 16, collapsed on June 16, 2009 while running light sprints during a summer football conditioning program. One of his coaches directed others to call 911 and retrieve the AED, while he immediately started CPR. The AED was rushed to the field and used by coaches. Teddy was shocked once and regained a pulse prior to the ambulance arriving. This quick action saved Teddy’s life.  The cause of his cardiac arrest remains unknown.

In November 2009, at the age of 4, at Brooks annual check-up, his pediatrician noted a heart murmur, which she said not uncommon at his age. The pediatrician said that usually by the age of 4-5 years, most heart murmurs resolve themselves as the child grows. In December 2010 at his annual check-up, the same pediatrician had hoped that Brooks heart murmur had resolved, or at least diminished. Instead, the murmur was louder and more pronounced. She immediately set up an evaluation with a pediatric cardiologist.

Within 5 days, Brooks was diagnosed with a large AVSD. The cardiologist noted that neither valve was completely formed due to the size of the opening of the septum. He was surprised that Brooks had only subtle symptoms of a heart issue.

Brooks had open heart surgery at the age of 5. He was in the PICU for 3 days and then moved to the pediatric cardiology unit. During his stay, Brooks had a echocardiogram daily. While the doctor was viewing the echo at his bedside, the news was on, reporting about the second student in only a couple of days that died from sudden cardiac arrest. We discussed the news report, and the doctor told us that without an attentive pediatrician, that could have been Brooks one day.

Today, Brooks is a active, vibrant 12 year old. Brooks is coming up on his re-evaluation year, when it is decided if he will need another surgery due to his physical growth. We are believing that Brooks will not need a second surgery.

At the age of 16, Michael was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect (cor-triatriatum). It was discovered during a pre-particpation physical for basketball, and required open heart surgery to repair. During follow-up visits with his doctor, Michael was diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia, then later with a second degree heart block. He had cryo-ablation and now lives a normal life with an implanted pacemaker.

Mike was 17 when he finished his basketball workout, then went to basketball camp to teach younger kids when he slumped over on a bench. His heart had a very irregular beat, and he stopped breathing. The camp directors called 911. Emergency personnel arrived immediately and performed CPR. When the ambulance arrived with an AED it was used to restore Mike’s heart to a normal rhythm. After being transported to the hospital, he was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM).

Mike received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), and was told he would never be able to play competitive basketball again. Despite having to change many parts of his life, he feels very fortunate to be alive.

In 2004, Drew was a high school freshman. He had surfed all summer and attended conditioning camp for his freshman year of football. A few weeks after school started, Drew became ill (vomiting). He would stay at home for a couple of days and then return to school. After a week or so his parents took him to the family doctor who found nothing wrong with Drew. They then made an appointment with a gastroenterologist.

A few hours before a football game at school, he became ill again. The school nurse discovered that Drew’s legs were very swollen. A trip to the ER determined that Drew was in heart failure. After a couple of weeks in Texas Children’s Hospital Drew was admitted to St Luke’s hospital with about 3% heart function. Drew was implanted with a Heart Mate II; he was the 4th and youngest person in the clinical trials. Two years of living with a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) Drew was explanted and continues to do well. He is currently attending college.

Liz, age 21, collapsed while running during college basketball practice. The quick actions of the Head Athletic Trainer who administered CPR and called for the AED that delivered two shocks saved her life. Liz was diagnosed with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD) and now has a pacemaker/implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Liz’s brother has also been diagnosed with ARVD.

Two days before her 12th birthday, Vivan suddenly collapsed in cardiac arrest in her school classroom on October 17, 2022. Thanks to the quick actions of a substitute teacher who knew CPR and direction for students to run for the school nurse, who brought the AED, Vivan survived. Airlifted to the hospital and in a coma for 40 hours, she underwent surgery to implant a dual pacemaker/ICD, followed by a month recovery in hospital. Vivan was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome. Her family is forever grateful to her school for saving Vivan’s life.

A football player since age eight, Nigeire was thrilled to ultimately join his high school football team at age 16. Because his school district offered student athletes heart screenings, he participated and reported that his heart seemed to race and beat abnormally during practice. Following up on those warning signs, an EKG revealed Nigeire had Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. After an ablation and recovery, Nigeire was cleared to return to football. The heart screening enabled him to safely continue playing the sport he loved.

Six-year-old Olivia was at gym class on February 13, 2009, when she suddenly collapsed. Two teachers performed CPR on her for seven minutes until the emergency services arrived. They shocked Olivia with a defibrillator and her heartbeat returned. The doctors at the hospital determined she had suffered a SCA, and that her lungs collapsed. As she was being moved, she suffered a second SCA, and was once again resuscitated. Olivia was on life-support for a week and has gradually improved and discharged to a rehab center.

Michelle, age 11, was born with multiple congenital heart defects. She was living with a pacemaker when she collapsed in sudden cardiac arrest during her fifth grade gym class. Thanks to the immediate action of school personnel, CPR was started, the nearby AED was employed, and Michelle was revived with a single shock. Michelle now has an ICD.

TJ, age 9, collapsed on the practice field in 2013. His coach and another dad immediately began CPR until an ambulance arrived with an AED. After two shocks, TJ’s heart was successfully restarted. TJ has since been diagnosed with Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT) and has had an ICD implanted.

On July 1, 2013, Joshua, age 21, went into sudden cardiac arrest while working at a local waterpark. His coworkers immediately began CPR on him and used an automated external defibrillator (AED) to shock his heart back to a normal rhythm. Joshua was air lifted to a level 1 trauma center in San Antonio where they were able to stabilize his heart. His team of doctors have not yet determined the underlying condition that caused his cardiac arrest, but have implanted an ICD as a precaution. Joshua has always been healthy and an athlete, excelling at soccer and cross country running.

On February 25, 2015, 17 year-old Tristan, suddenly collapsed at school while typing at his desk. Thankfully, Tristan attends a vocational school with EMS instructors on staff, who were able to respond quickly. They gave him CPR and used an AED before the ambulance arrived. He was taken to a nearby hospital, then was life-flighted to the hospital where he spent 3 days in ICU. An ICD was surgically implanted 5 days after his SCA. He has been diagnosed with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (genetic tests are pending).

Matthew, a wrestler, baseball and soccer player was diagnosed with a heart condition at age 15 through a heart screening offered at school by the Sean Fisher Memorial Foundation. He had a cardiac ablation and has been healthy since.

In 2011, three month old William was on vacation with his family when his previously diagnosed heart condition took a turn for the worse. After going to the emergency room, he was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect of his mitral valve and mitral valve regurgitation. The next day he was air lifted to Boston Children’s Hospital where he had successful open heart surgery to repair his mitral valve.

Lexi, an avid athlete, suffered cardiac arrest at age 16 while at the gym running full pace on a treadmill.  Bystanders quickly jumped into action administering CPR and using the gym’s AED to shock her heart back to rhythm. Lexi was airlifted to the hospital where doctors implanted an internal defibrillator.  The underlying cause of her cardiac arrest is unknown.  Lexi now advocates for heart screenings of student athletes, CPR and widespread availability of AEDs.

Grey is a 17 year old high school hockey player. In October 2014, he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at the ice rink while waiting to play a game. Luckily, a cardiac care nurse happened to be at the rink and began CPR immediately. Paramedics arrived within minutes and utilized their defibrillator to shock him back to a normal rhythm. Despite thorough testing, the cause of his ventricular fibrillation is still unknown. Grey now has an ICD.

In 2011, Meghan collapsed while walking through the airport at age 8.  A passerby immediately performed CPR and got her heart restarted before the AED could be taken off the wall.  Unfortunately, because she was breathing when the paramedics arrived, no one at the hospital believed she has suffered cardiac arrest and her heart was not checked for three days. Her case is now used for teaching at the local hospital.  Meghan had an ICD implanted a few days after being diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and is on medication. She was stable for 5 years, but at age 14,  she arrested at school. Her ICD fired and saved her life.

On August 22, 2019, 17-year-old Anna went into sudden cardiac arrest at school as she was getting ready for marching band. She had no previous signs or symptoms. Thanks to the quick response by those at school, who used CPR and an AED to resuscitate her, she is a survivor. The cause of her SCA is still unknown.

Tori, age 22, suffered a cardiac arrest while playing intramural basketball. A supervisor saw her collapse and began administering CPR while gym officials called 911. Paramedics arrived quickly with an AED, which was used three times to restore her normal heart rhythm. At the hospital Tori received hypothermic treatment and was placed in a medically induced coma for two days. She also suffered anoxic brain damage, but was stabilized and an ICD was implanted. Tori began intensive rehabilitative therapy. With the help of dedicated therapists and a devoted family, she was able to return home after two months. Tori is limited in her cardiac ability and physical activities; however, she works daily to restore the muscle deterioration from the long hospitalization. The cause of her cardiac arrest was Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Jake, age 21, was found unexpectedly after experiencing a “weird” feeling one morning following a baseball work day. He went to the school nurse complaining of a prickly feeling on his neck. His heart rate was 42 and he was sent directly to the emergency room where he was given a diagnosis of cardiomyopathy.  Jake had a pacemaker/defibrillator implanted in summer 2015.

In 2019, Kiersten experienced rapid heart rate and a loss of vision. When she arrived at ER, her heart rate was 283, but she was thankfully conscious. Then began over six months of visiting specialists across four states. First, she was diagnosed with VT and had an ablation. This is where they discovered something way more severe. Unable to pinpoint exactly what was the cause of her arrhythmia, she later had a loop monitor placed. A month later, she was in ICU with myocarditis which then solidified what her many doctors had suspected ARVD. Two months later, she had an ICD placed, takes Beta Blockers daily, and restricts activity. She experiences frequent bouts of chest pain which is unresponsive to medication. Kiersten has had to give up her passion since she was six years old, competitive figure skating but has turned her efforts to ensuring youth organizations have AEDs and donates through her self-founded charity Heartfelt Harmonies.

Julieta, an elite volleyball player had been monitored by a cardiologist for arrhythmias since birth, but that never held her back from doing anything.

On May 3, 2020, Julieta, 16, collapsed in cardiac arrest while working out at home with her sister. Not knowing what was happening, her sister screamed for her mom upstairs and quickly called 911. The 911 dispatcher guided her sister on how to perform CPR until EMS arrived approximately 6 minutes later. Her mother and sister watched as EMS responders worked to bring her back after approximately 23 minutes without a pulse.

She was transported to the hospital where she became unstable again due to the trauma caused by the vigorous resuscitation procedure. Because of this, doctors made the decision to put her in a medically induced coma and performed an emergency Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) procedure. The ECMO machine pumped and oxygenated Julieta’s blood outside the body, allowing her heart and lungs to rest.

After Julieta came out of the medically induced coma and ECMO, she had surgery to place an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). After this surgery, and when she thought that she was close to going home, Julieta developed pancreatitis leaving her in unimaginable pain.

She spent a total of 3 weeks at the hospital; 2 weeks in the ICU and 1 week in medically induced coma and on ECMO. On May 27th, she got officially cleared to go home to her family.

An active Division 1 soccer player, Kay suffered a cardiac arrest on May 8, 2019, just a week shy of her 14^th birthday, while at home jumping on the trampoline.  Her father quickly administered CPR but she had no pulse upon arrival of the paramedics, who used an AED to resuscitate her.  It was determined her SCA was caused by an undetected congenital heart defect called ALCAPA. Following open-heart surgery she started her freshman year in high school and continues to attend therapy regularly to regain and relearn what she’s lost. She is a fighter and is admired for both her tenacity and positive spirit along her journey.

Owen is a twin with a complex medical history, including several episodes of syncope that his parents and doctors believed to be related to his epilepsy. A screening EKG, prior to starting a medication for ADHD resulted in a diagnosis of Short QT Syndrome. Starting ADHD medication without the EKG could have proven fatal. It was then determined that Owen was having moments of irregular heartbeats causing him to pass out. Owen had a stroke prior to being born and is continually monitored by MRI. Because of this, he is not a candidate for an implantable defibrillator. Short QT is rare and a relatively newly discovered electrical disorder.

Jacob Wright, age 16, was attending summer police academy camp for youth when he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during a 1.5 mile run. Two police officers were nearby and provided CPR until the fire department arrived and gave him several shocks with the AED. After rehabilitation and a month long stay in Pediatric Intensive Care, Jacob is back home.