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.

At age 15, Lauryn experienced sudden cardiac arrest while sleeping at home during a sleepover with her best friend. Her friend alerted Lauryn’s parents after hearing an unusual noise and finding her unresponsive. Lauryn’s father immediately began CPR while her mother called 911. Emergency responders continued resuscitation efforts and used an AED before transporting her to the hospital.

Physicians initially suspected Long QT Syndrome, but it was not determined to be the cause of Lauryn’s cardiac arrest. Genetic testing has not identified an underlying cause, and her family continues to search for answers.

Lauryn is doing well and has returned to competitive volleyball.

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.

On February 10, 2025, Hailey, 21, collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest while lifting weights with her East Carolina University track team. As she fell, she called out to a friend, who yelled for help and ran to get the AED while her coach called 911. Athletic trainers began CPR.

Hailey received 10 minutes of CPR and four shocks before her heartbeat was restored. She was later diagnosed with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy and Long QT Syndrome. Three days later, she received a pacemaker/ICD—and despite the odds, graduated from college just three months later.