Go Krimson for Kids

Published in the Huffington Post

February is American Heart Month, and there is no shortage of events promoting cardiac health. We do it. This past weekend, Simon’s Fund hosted its annual gala called Simon’s Soiree: An Affair From the Heart. However, unlike most, our event was focused on bringing awareness to heart conditions in students because sudden cardiac arrest isn’t just an adult thing. It takes the lives of thousands of children every year. In 2005, it took the life of my son, Simon.

Two years ago, I attended a Philadelphia 76ers game that was designated as “Go Red Night.” This is a very successful marketing campaign conducted by the American Heart Association to bring awareness to heart disease in women.

As we walked in the venue, we were given a Go Red for Women sticker and a postcard to record the name of a loved one that had experienced heart problems. Throughout the game, the crowd was educated about the stark reality that sudden cardiac arrest is the No. 1 cause of death in this country. We learned about the warning signs for women and what steps they can take to modify their lifestyles for better heart health.

I was struck by three things. First, there were a lot of kids at the basketball game. Second, there was no mention about heart health for kids. Couldn’t the No. 1 killer of women in this country be best prevented by teaching little girls about heart health too? Third, as we sat watching these athletes compete, there was no mention of the fact that sudden cardiac arrest is the No. 1 cause of death of NCAA student athletes. Every player on that court was a student athlete at some point, just like many of the children in the crowd.

The NBA is great backdrop to discuss the issue of heart health because conditions that lead to sudden cardiac arrest have impacted several players over the years: Yinka Dare (died), Eddy Curry (surgery), Reggie Lewis (died), Ronny Turiaf (surgery), Kevin Duckworth (died), Cuttino Mobley (retired), Etan Thomas (surgery), Jason Collier (died), Robert Traylor (died), Zeijko Rebraca (retired), Fred Hoiberg (surgery) and Mikahil Torrance (retired).

In 2006, the NBA set the standard on fighting sudden cardiac arrest and protecting its players as it became the first major sports league to institute mandatory heart screenings. Since, the other leagues have followed. The implementation of this measure, which actually exceeds the recommendations of the American Heart Association, has saved lives.

A few years ago, LaMarcus Aldridge of the Portland Trailblazers was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome. He underwent a medical procedure. Jeff Green of the Boston Celtics discovered an aortic aneurism and underwent surgery to correct the problem. Chuck Hayes of the Sacramento Kings failed his physical due to a heart condition. He was later cleared to play and recorded two rebounds and one assist in last night’s game against the 76ers. It’s pretty amazing, that in one year, in a league of 450 players, almost 1 percent of them discovered heart conditions as a result of the heart screening requirement.

Two years ago, at least two players from the Phoenix Suns were sidelined due to heart conditions — Jermaine O’Neal and Channing Frye. Last year, Isaiah Austin was disqualified from the NBA draft due to a heart condition (Marfan Syndrome).

Simon’s Fund, and other nonprofit organizations around the country, think that the NBA and the other professional leagues are on to something. Like the leagues, these groups provide heart screenings to students. At these screenings, approximately one out of every 100 students screened discovers a heart condition. Sounds a little bit like the NBA, huh?

In addition to detecting potentially-fatal heart conditions, these screenings are revealing risk factors of hypertension and obesity which lead to heart disease. Is it better to catch this at age 14 or wait until we are 44?

We owe it to our kids to do better job this February. Let’s stop pretending that heart problems belong to our parents. Prevention should start with our kids. Just like we check out kids eyes and ears in school, we should be checking their hearts too. Let’s follow in the footsteps of the NBA. Let’s Go Krimson for Kids.

Protecting Hearts. Saving Lives.

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Protecting Hearts. Saving Lives.

Powered by Hopeworks Technology Solutions

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."