Simon’s Heart and Defibtech Launch “Overtime Challenge” to Equip Youth Facilities with Lifesaving AEDs Nationwide

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

National initiative faces off with NHL Opening Week to raise awareness of sudden cardiac arrest in sports

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., October 8, 2025 — Simon’s Heart, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac arrest, and Defibtech, a leading provider of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), today launched the Overtime Challenge, a national initiative to provide AEDs to youth organizations. Each week of the 2025-26 NHL season, an AED will be donated to a local youth facility in a U.S. market whose team enters sudden-death overtime.

“The Overtime Challenge highlights the most exciting moment in hockey and the most tragic reality of youth sports,” said Darren Sudman, co-founder of Simon’s Heart. “Every year, we hear heartbreaking stories of young athletes who suffer sudden cardiac arrest while playing a game they love. With this campaign, and GotAED, our crowdfunding platform, we’re making sure kids are protected where they learn and play.”  

Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death among student athletes, according to the American Heart Association. Immediate CPR and access to an AED can increase survival rates by nearly 70 percent, while each passing minute without defibrillation can reduce survival odds by 10%.

Simon’s Heart and Defibtech plan to donate 25 AEDs during the NHL season, focusing on youth organizations with critical needs or limited access. Community members are invited to nominate facilities to receive an AED via GotAED.org. 

“An AED can mean the difference between life and death in a matter of minutes,” said AJ Pace, president & CEO of Defibtech. “We are proud to partner with Simon’s Heart to place more AEDs, so they are available in the right place at the right time. AEDs are a critical tool in protecting young athletes and kids wherever they play, so that their coaches, families, and fans are prepared to handle cardiac emergencies.”

About Simon’s Heart
Simon’s Heart is a nonprofit organization founded in memory of Simon Sudman, a seemingly healthy baby who died suddenly at three months old from an undetected and treatable heart condition. The organization’s mission is to prevent sudden cardiac arrest in children, teens, and young adults through awareness, education, legislation, and access to lifesaving resources such as community heart screenings and AEDs. Learn more at simonsheart.org.

About Defibtech
Defibtech is a leader and innovator in the design and manufacture of life-saving resuscitation devices, including automated external defibrillators (AEDs), mechanical chest compressors, and related accessories that the public and healthcare professionals depend on every day.  With more than 650,000 AED units shipped worldwide, Defibtech is committed to saving lives by producing the best AEDs that advanced medical technology has to offer. Headquartered in Guilford, Conn., all of Defibtech’s life-saving products are conceived and developed in-house and are designed and built in the United States at their state-of-the-art facilities. For more information about Defibtech and its products, visit www.defibtech.com. 

About GotAED
GotAED overcomes the budgetary constraints felt by schools, sports clubs, and other youth organizations. The crowdfunding platform makes it easy and practical to acquire an AED device. 

To nominate a youth facility for an AED through the Overtime Challenge, visit gotaed.org/ot-challenge.

Media Contacts:
Debbie Lewis
Simon’s Heart
610-772-5103
media@simonsheart.org

Melissa Johnston
Defibtech
203-520-0331
mjohnston@defibtech.com

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."