Blog

Op Ed – Don’t Judge a Book

This past week, many parents in the Greater Philadelphia area learned what I learned almost ten years ago – sudden cardiac arrest isn’t just an adult thing. It takes the lives of thousands of children every year. Two students, an eighth grader from Harrington Middle School in Mount Laurel, and...

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The Financial and Emotional Costs of Heart Screenings

As I write this, Mason Tellez, a track athlete from Whittier High School, remains hospitalized.  According to a statement by his mother, he collapsed during practice with an undetected heart condition.  “He remains in serious condition, but at this point is breathing on his own.” Our prayers and thoughts are...

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Good Wife and Real Life

This week, television audiences were stunned when Will Gardner, a main character in The Good Wife, was murdered.  Gone, in an instant. Typically, we get warnings about this kind of stuff.  The actor is sick and needs to leave.  The actor wants to pursue movies and needs to leave.  The...

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Today, My Heart is in Michigan

I grew up in Ohio. I graduated from Ohio State. I met my wife there.  I love the Buckeyes.  However, today, as they hold the funeral service for Ryan Fischer, my heart is in Michigan.  Ryan was Grandville’s hockey team captain and he died from an enlarged heart on the...

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Pediatric Poster Campaign

Heart Month may be coming to an end, but the battle to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest and death in children is a year-round effort.  The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that two thousand U.S. children die every year from sudden cardiac arrest.  A study from the Mayo Clinic...

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Remarks – BBYO International Convention

This was one of the most special presentations to date. We shared our story with 1,800 students from around the world and then introduced them to Dana Vollmer. The day, known as Stand UP Day, is dedicated to community service. All of the students learned CPR and then taught it to middle...

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Testimony for Maryland Ways & Means

Chairwoman Hixson and Committee Members: Thank you for giving me the privilege to testify in support of HB 427: The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act. My name is Darren Sudman. I am a co-founder and the Executive Director of Simon’s Fund. I am also Simon’s dad. I live outside of...

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Remarks – Soiree 2014

We are so grateful to the almost 400 people that attended Simon’s Soiree, and for the many more who were “with us” from distant places. Here are the remarks that we shared. We have a few thoughts to share tonight, but we are standing up here really just say thank you. ...

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An Email from a Friend

I’d never want a parent to lose their child. However, amidst the wreckage, there are amazing some things, that you can only see if you’ve survived, like the spirit and generosity of others. Here is one of those things: Today and always Simon, we think of you We think of your...

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Being a Part of Something Bigger

I am on my way home from the 9th Annual Parent Heart Watch Conference. I sit on the Board and Simon’s Fund was a sponsor. It is a great organization that brings families and organizations together. Here are some thoughts that I shared with the attendees. Simon’s Fund is really...

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