With Love and Thanks: My Transition Announcement

Dear Friends,

When I first met Darren Sudman in 2019, like most people, I asked: “How can I help?”. And then, in 2020, I threw my hat in the ring for a role that would change my life. I am so lucky to have led Simon’s Heart and work alongside Darren and Phyllis Sudman, volunteers, and our team. It’s been an amazing ride, filled with powerful moments and incredible people. As we wrap heart month, it’s bittersweet to share that I have accepted a new role in Philadelphia.

I’ve been deeply moved by the stories of children who left us too soon because of heart conditions that could have been treated or detected: Simon (3 months old), Blake (17), Bailey (16), Elijah (12), Caroline (19), Rafe (15), and Jayden (12). I never met these kids, but their stories and the photos their parents shared will always be with me. Their names echo in my mind whenever I think about how much one person’s voice can matter in pushing to protect hearts and save lives.

I’ve also been inspired by survivors who’ve touched our lives and pushed our mission forward: Katie Asper, Journey Brown, Kai Bates-Diop, Caleb Datto, Melissa Fair, Jack Forti, Drew Harrington, Whitney Jones, Alaysia Keeley, Annie Kelly, Valerie Krawitz, Noah Lorencovitz, Danielle Mundondo, Alana Mundondo, Maeve Quinn, and Zach Steffens. They beat the odds, and they’ve joined us in fighting to prevent sudden cardiac death in our children.

Simon’s Heart has impacted my little family forever. This journey has been a wonderful experience and I know you’re in good hands. Lexi Simchak and Katherine Christen are ready to keep things moving along, and Darren and Phyllis Sudman are as supportive as ever. A huge thank you to each of our volunteers, board members, medical team, and student ambassadors for your incredible dedication all because of one little boy.

You each play a crucial role in our mission, and I am so grateful for everything you’ve done.

Thank you for protecting hearts and saving lives,

Warmly,

Jenn

Keep In Touch With Jenn

Protecting Hearts. Saving Lives.

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Protecting Hearts. Saving Lives.

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Jake Berman

“I attended a heart screening at Colonial Middle School when I was ten. I was in the marching band and liked to hike and rock climb. I was diagnosed with Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome. After my procedure, I kept doing the same things.”

Whitney Jones

Whitney’s commitment to heart health advocacy began at 10 years old when she and her mother, Rayna, were diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome during a Simon’s Heart screening at Downingtown West High School. Despite the diagnosis, Whitney pursued her passion for cheerleading and continued to thrive in the sport through her college years at St. Joseph’s University. After graduating, Whitney joined Stryker Instruments as the Senior Specialist for Off-Site Meeting and Events, where she skillfully orchestrates events that promote health and medical innovation. Further extending her impact, Whitney is an active member of the Simon’s Heart Young Professionals Committee, while her mother Rayna contributes her expertise on the Board of Directors.

Katie Asper

“I attended a heart screening at Upper Dublin High School when I was ten. I played soccer. I was diagnosed with Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome and had an ablation to fix the problem. I attend Temple University.”

Matthew Green

“I attended a heart screening in Mason, Ohio, when I was ten. I participated in baseball, basketball, and diving. I was diagnosed with an atrial septal defect. I had surgery to repair the hole and started wearing a protective shirt during activity. I am graduating from Miami University.”

Valerie Krawitz

“I attended a heart screening at Colonial Middle School when I was ten. I played baseball, soccer, and track. I was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome and an atrial septal defect. I had heart surgery to repair the hole and I take medicine for the Long QT. I can’t play competitive sports like I once did, but found other activities. Next year, I’m attending Penn State University.”

Drew Harrington

“I attended a heart screening at Radnor High School when I was ten. I played lacrosse, tennis, and basketball. I was diagnosed with Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome. I used to feel my heart beat really fast, but just assumed it was fine. Coincidentally, on Simon’s 7th birthday, I had a procedure called an ablation. Today, my heart is fine and I attend the University of Richmond.”

Alaysia Keeley

“I attended a heart screening at Norristown High School when I was ten. I played softball and enjoyed going to the mall with my friends. I was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome. I had to stop playing sports and drinking soda. Now, I take medication and live a normal life.”

Kyle McCabe

“I attended a heart screening at Norristown High School when I was ten. I played baseball, basketball, and football. I was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome. I stopped playing sports to protect my heart, but I still manage to have fun.”

Melissa Fair

“I attended a heart screening at Colonial Middle School when I was ten. I loved dancing and hanging out with my friends. I was diagnosed with Partial Anomolous Pulmonary Venous Return and Atrial Septal Defect. The doctor told me that my life would have been cut short if I hadn’t found out. I’m graduating from Penn State University this year.”

Zach Steffens

“I attended a heart screening at Stillman Elementary School in Tenafly, N.J., when I was fourteen years old. I love running, Tae Kwon Do, and Armenian cultural dancing. I was diagnosed with a rare congenital defect called ALCAPA (Anomalous Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery). I had open-heart surgery and recovered well. One month later, I suffered a cardiac arrest and an automated external defibrillator (AED) saved my life. I now have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and am healthier than ever. I will be attending The College of New Jersey and majoring in biomedical engineering.”

Annie FitzPatrick

“I went into sudden cardiac arrest at a local convenience store when I was 19 years old. My heart stopped and the only reason I am alive today is because an AED was readily available. I was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome shortly after and was introduced to Darren and Phyllis with Simon’s Heart. I have been an active volunteer ever since. I went on to graduate Cum Laude from Drexel University with a double major in Business Analytics and Marketing and now work at a leading chemical company.”

Maeve Quinn

"I had a sudden cardiac arrest during softball tryouts at my high school. I was 15 years old. Thanks to the quick thinking of my coach and athletic trainer, they started doing CPR and using an AED immediately. This helped save my life. I had an implantable defibrillator surgically placed in case this happens again. I volunteer to educate people on the importance of screenings, learning CPR and the use of AEDs. Anyone can save a life like mine! I am planning on going to college for nursing."