No one would have blamed me for hating the world after Simon died.  After all, life was not fair.  My baby died before me and that’s just never supposed to happen.  The universe was not working . . . . As I stood next to Representative Mike Vereb and Governor...

This is one of our favorite events of the year for several reasons.  First, we are just one station of many that examine high school students.  The students receive care from orthopedists, neurologists, internists and pulmonologists.  Second, we have doctors from all of the major hospitals participating in our cardiac...

I need to begin by saying thank you to Jennaphr Frederick, Josh Weisman, Brian Kadunc and Representative Mike Vereb.  The universe brought all of us together on April 14, 2011, and as a result, we are here today making a huge difference in the lives students. Representative Vereb, a big...

The following links are stories and reports covering the introduction and passage of the first Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act. PA Law Aims to Prevent Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Young Athletes (FOX News; September 10, 2012) Law Protects Young Athletes from Potential Sudden Cardiac Arrest (WJAC TV 6; August 24,...

Last night, an organization of twenty-five women, threw a party for Simon’s Fund.  They’ve been having fundraisers for nonprofit organizations for 25 years. Over 200 people gathered to bid on great auction items, eat and drink and watch a fashion show presented by Neiman Marcus.  We are so grateful.  Here...

We screened 239 hearts today.  It was our second screening with duPont hospital.  We were also supported by doctors from Jefferson and Abington.  This was our first screening where doctors from different hospitals collaborated.  This is a great development as we continue to bring more doctors into the fold of...

It’s 10:50 PM, the night before our second Downingtown screening.  We’ll screen about 300 kids.  Three of them will likely find a heart condition.  This is the normal routine.  Review email folder for cancellations.  Update registration lists.  Make corrections to folders and forms.  Load up the van with equipment. However,...

The very first Simon’s Day was held at the World Cafe Live on Simon’s first birthday (October 21, 2006).  At that event, 80 friends (adults and kids) listened to the music of Erin Flynn.  We also had a mini-heart screening.  We came together to remember Simon.  A few years later,...

We don’t typically see much discussion about sudden cardiac arrest in tennis.  We’re glad that Andy Murray is taking is stand. Andy Murray has demanded that regular heart screenings be made compulsory in tennis following the cardiac arrest suffered by Bolton Wanderers midfielder Fabrice Muamba at White Hart Lane on Saturday. Muamba’s heart had stopped for 78 minutes before...

New guidelines outlining the causes and prevention of sudden death among athletes were released this week by the National Athletic Trainer’s Association (NATA) in the United States. “These guidelines were developed for any level of sports participation, and to truly help save a life,” NATA President Marjorie Albohm said in...