Keeper of the Flame

Our synagogue honored our work this past weekend by giving us the Keeper of the Flame Award. It’s kind of backwards, because without the support from our friends and community, we would not be in a position to be honored. Phyllis delivered our remarks.

DARREN AND I ARE VERY HUMBLED AND GRATEFUL FOR THIS AWARD.  WE HAVE SO MUCH RESPECT FOR THIS COMMUNITY.   IT MEANS A LOT TO BE RECOGNIZED BY ALL OF YOU.

WE JOINED THIS CONGREGATION IN 2002.  IT WAS ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS WE DID WHEN WE MOVED TO PHILADELPHIA.

BEING PART OF A JEWISH COMMUNITY WAS REALLY IMPORTANT TO US.  WE ALSO KNEW WE’D NEED THE STANDARD JEWISH FARE OF A BRIS, A BABY NAMING, BNAI MITZVOT AND HEBREW SCHOOL.  I GUESS YOU COULD SAY THAT WE CHOSE OR AMI AS OUR SERVICE PROVIDER.

WE NEVER IMAGINED THAT WE’D NEED OR AMI TO OFFICIATE OUR SON’S FUNERAL, LEAD A SHIVA MINYAN IN OUR HOUSE FOR SEVEN DAYS, UNLEASH A MITZVAH CORPS THAT PROVIDED US WITH FOOD AND NECESSITIES FOR AN ENTIRE MONTH, AND GIVE US A PLACE TO  SAY KADDISH FOR A YEAR.

WE HAD FRIENDS THAT SUPPORTED US, MANY OF YOU ARE HERE TONIGHT, BUT SO MUCH OF THE SUPPORT CAME FROM MEMBERS OF THIS CONGREGATION — THAT WE DID NOT KNOW.  WHY?  BECAUSE WE WERE JEWISH, LIVING IN THIS COMMUNITY, AND WE WERE IN NEED.

THINK ABOUT THAT.  WHERE ELSE DOES THAT HAPPEN?

THAT ESSENCE IS REALLY WHAT NEEDS TO BE HONORED HERE TONIGHT.  SURE, WE’VE ACCOMPLISHED SOME GOOD THINGS WITH SIMON’S FUND, LIKE HELPING THREE STUDENTS IN THIS CONGREGATION DISCOVER HEART CONDITIONS, BUT WE REALLY DON’T KNOW IF WE’D BE HERE IN THIS POSITION IF IT WEREN’T FOR THE SUPPORT AND COMMITMENT OF THIS COMMUNITY.

WE WERE WRONG TWELVE YEARS AGO.  OR AMI ISN’T JUST A SERVICE PROVIDER.  IT’S ALSO AN INSURANCE POLICY.  IT’S A PLACE WHERE YOU WILL NEVER BE ALONE IN TIMES OF TRAGEDY OR TRIUPH.

SO THANKS AGAIN FOR HONORING US TONIGHT.  WE ARE PROUD OF THIS AWARD, BUT WE ARE MORE PROUD ABOUT BEING A PART OF THIS JEWISH COMMUNITY.

Protecting Hearts. Saving Lives.

Powered by Hopeworks Technology Solutions

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."