The water's right and the weather's perfect - Fish for Zachary on Saturday!

In the words of Brad Paisley, "The water's right and the weather's perfect! No tellin' what I might catch today." Don't let the summer coming to an end keep you from enjoying the things you love! Fish and fish for a cause!!!!

On September 3rd, Living for Zachary and Chynna's Helping Hearts will host the 2nd Annual "Fishing for Hearts” Open-team Fishing Tournament at Lake Fork, Texas.


Our partner, Chynna's Helping Hearts is another organization with a great vision for seeing young adults be more aware of heart conditions and heart screening. The Chynna's Helping Hearts is in honor of Chynna Zmolik, a very special 16 year-old girl with a passion for ballet. Learn more about Chynna's Helping Hearts at: http://www.chynnashelpingheart.org/

Among the sponsors for the 2nd Annual Fishing for Hearts tournament are Dr. Pepper, Lake Fork Sportsman Association, and JC Outdoors!

JC Outdoors is a Christian organization that focuses on providing exceptional events on the beautiful Lake Fork for people to enjoy great company, sportsmanship and community with other anglers.

Enjoy the weather on the beautiful Lake Fork, located about 65 miles East of Dallas and is among the top 10 biggest lakes in Texas. This is no ordinary lake, Lake Fork is a premier bass fishing paradise that is responsible for 34 of the top 50 largest bass ever caught in Texas!

For registration to the Fishing for Hearts Open Team Tournament and more information, visit  - Living for Zachary or register Saturday morning!


"Fishing is a discipline in the equality of men - for all men are equal before fish".  ~Herbert Hoover

It's the beginning of sports - stay hydrated and be aware!

School has started back and our young athletes are playing football, started band, and drill team is outside too. It's so important for parents, friends, coaches and teachers to be aware of an AED or SCA program at their local schools or recreation centers. As parent's - we need to ask where the AED is located, who can administer it and how fast can help arrive in case they need to.

SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest) is five times more common in teen athletes with only 1 in 10 surviving. In hot weather it is crucial to be aware of dehydration and heat exhaustion. Dehydration can be risky for anyone out in extreme heat who is also exercising. It will interfere with the heart's main pumping area, the left ventricle. Not having enough fluids can make blood flow problems worse which may lead to fainting or shortness of breath.

There are some things that we can do to prevent any of these fatal SCA episodes from happening. Encouraging heart screenings in your children and teens is proven to prevent 90% of SCA. Being aware of the signals is also important. Be on the look out for fainting or seizures after physical activity, any episodes of chest pain, racing heartbeats or unusual shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness during or after exercise, or a family history of heart disease. Sometimes there is no family history at all.

Stay on top of your kids - ask how they are feeling. Push the coaches, teachers and parents present to always be fully aware of keeping the kids hydrated and well rested before pushing them too far.

Living for Zachary wishes all the young athletes good luck this season - whatever your sport is!

Living for Zachary - Volunteer Opportunities

Living for Zachary needs your help - Volunteer !

Living for Zachary has several community awareness events scheduled this fall and we need your help! If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering, please let us know which event and time you would like to cover. Please see the list below. Thank you for considering to volunteer!
Contact:  Kim Granger Volunteer Opportunities  kim@living4zachary.org

Living for Zachary Volunteer Opportunities

Allen Sports Authority
Fall Football Jamboree
Lovejoy High or Eagle Stadium
Saturday, August 20, 2011
3:30-5:30 pm
5:30-7:30 pm

American Heart Association Heart Walk
Saturday, September 10, 2011
American Airlines Center
6:30-9:30 am

Murphy Maize Days
Saturday, September 24, 2011
8:30-11:00 am
10:45 am-1:15 pm
1:00-3:45 pm
3:30-6:00 pm

Plano East vs. Plano West Football Game
Friday, September 30, 2011
Clark Stadium
5:30-8:30 pm

Plano East vs. Flower Mound Football Game
Friday, October 21, 2011
Kimbrough Stadium
5:30-8:30 pm

Living for Zachary HeartRun
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Shops at Legacy
5:00 am-8:00 am
8:00 am-11:00 am

Plano East vs. Plano Football Game
Friday, October 28, 2011
Clark Stadium
5:30-8:30 pm

Plano East vs. Lewisville Football Game "Senior Night"
Friday, November 4, 2011
Kimbrough Stadium
5:30-8:30 pm :


Duties could include:
Mostly handing out information on L4Z and screening, selling L4Z spirit wear, set up, clean up, etc. The HeatRun duties are more detailed from registration, spirit sales, kid zone, set up, clean up, etc


If you would like to serve on a Living for Zachary committee for the HeartRun or HeartBeats Gala, please let me know and I will provide additional information.

Save the date for the HeartBeats Gala on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at the Omni, Dallas, TX.

Thank you for your continued support! We would not be able to do this without each of you!

Heat and outdoors can be deadly!

Football season is here! Unfortunately, so is the usual Texas heat. Practices and two-a-days have began in one of the hottest Texas summers in history. With temperatures ranging from 100 to 107 degrees and over 30% humidity, outside during the summertime can be a dangerous place to be - that is why Living for Zachary wants all young athletes to take extra precautions.

Here are some ways you can protect your football star from the heat:

Stay hydrated! It goes without saying. As the heat bears down on us, it causes our body to cool itself by sweating. On a hot day full of physical activity, it is estimated that nearly 8-10% of our body's water can be lost. It doesn't seem like much, but when you consider that 60% of our body is water—it's shocking! Keep hydrated by consistently drinking water and keeping your body fueled with electrolytes that can be found in most sports drinks.

Wear loose clothing! However unflattering it may be, your body needs room to breathe! Wearing loose-fitting clothing will give your body some room to exert the heat and allow it to leave your body; wearing tight-fitting clothing will keep the heat on your body at all times, often times this is one of the main causes of heat exhaustion.

Avoid caffeine! Ever wondered why the more coffee you drink, the thirstier you are? Caffeinated drinks like sodas and coffee are some of the fastest ways to dehydrate your body! In the Texas summer heat, make sure to monitor how much soda your football players are taking in and encourage them to drink more water. A good rule of thumb—for every soda, drinks two glasses of water.

Be smart! Texas is the land of football... so enjoy the preparations before the upcoming season! However, do so with caution. Spectators should bring umbrellas and cooling hand-fans to scrimmages and games, and players should continue to hydrate and take rest time as needed. Don't let the heat beat your team! Being smart and heart smart can help your players stay hydrated, healthy... and hopefully win a championship and win it for Living for Zachary!