Thank you to all for attending the Living for Zachary Golf Tournament!

If you not able to be at the Living for Zachary Golf Tournament on June 20, 2011 at the beautiful Gleneagles Country Club - you missed a beautiful day for a beautiful cause. Many Living for Zachary Supporters gathered together to not only honor Zachary Schrah's name but also to raise money to raise awareness of SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest).

Living for Zachary is a non-profit organization [(501 (c) (3) 80-0410066] with a mission dedicated to saving young lives from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). The organization was founded in honor of Zachary Schrah, who was only 16 years old when he collapsed during a high school football practice in Plano on April 2, 2009. After Zachary’s death, the Living for Zachary Foundation was established to raise awareness of undiagnosed heart issues in teens.

Living for Zachary is so pleased to announce the following updates on our wonderful event that had 130 golfers - a sell out for King's course! We would like to thank our Master Sponsors: Dr. Pepper and THE HEART HOSPITAL Baylor Plano. We would like to also thank our MC Fiona Gorostiza of Fox 4 Dallas.

Our Living for Zachary Golf Tournament first place winners were:

Johnny Ringo

Joe Cravens

Preston Gill

Jon Engelking

Helicopter Ball Drop $500 Cash Prize - Bradley Taylor

We had a great turnout and cannot wait until we can post all the pictures! Stay tuned!!  In the meantime - get ready for the 3rd Annual 5k /1mile Living For Zachary Heart Run at The Shops at Legacy in Plano, TX on Saturday, October 22, 2011. You can REGISTER NOW here!

Honor your Father and learn CPR to save a life...

Sometimes the small,easy tasks are those that pay off the largest. In saying this- we want to remind everyone the importance of learning CPR, it is actually a gift to all to know it. It is super easy and quick and it's offered in so many places for you to keep putting it off. What a perfect way to to honor someone you love.

Heart disease is the number 1 killer in the United States and 80% of those who are struck with cardiac arrest will be in their home.. The American Heart Association calls CPR the "chain of survival." Because of the series of actions performed in sequence during CPR, it greatly increases the chance of survival for the patient.

Many schools from elementary age through high school are now requiring all students to learn and be certified in CPR. This may be the best way for your child to learn the techniques and get a hands on learning experience. For adults who may not have those resources, The American Red Cross offers classes at your nearest location and also has a printout on their website to remind you of what should be done. Another great place for learning CPR is your local hospital. Often, they will offer free classes and you will be able to train with a technician or nurse.

We want you to always be prepared in case of an emergency. Just knowing CPR techniques could help you save someone's life. If your Father is alive this Father's Day - honor him by learning CPR, if he is no longer with you - honor him more by wanting to save a life.

If you haven't had a certification or taken a class on CPR we're asking that you do! And if you're already certified, please keep it up to date and for all the Father's -  Living for Zachary would like to wish you a wonderful, happy and heart healthy Father's Day!

In the Summer months - the importance of being aware of the risks

With our summer temperatures reaching record highs already Living for Zachary wanted to be sure to inform all of our followers about the problems that can arise with extreme heat and heart problems.

As the temperatures outside rise, our heart rates increase to help cool our bodies. Our hearts pump more blood to the skin and creates sweat while trying to maintain our internal temperatures. If you happen to be outdoors doing some kind of physical activity, like playing ball, for example, the heat in addition to the physical exertion is very hard work for your heart. One of our motto's at Living for Zachary is: Listen to your heart. In this case, this would be more true than ever before.

There are a number of heat illnesses from being exposed to such high temperatures, such as: heat edema, heat rashes, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. A heat stroke is often very similar to cardiac arrest. Your heart rate increases to try and maintain your temperature but is it unable to keep up with the high heat which causes a person to become confused and likely lose consciousness. It may be sudden or the person may have a "funny" feeling for minutes before.


The elderly as well as young adults and children or people who have a predisposed heart condition have higher risks for complications due to heat. Those who have been prescribed medication to lower heart attack risks, rid the body of excess water and to treat congestive heart failure need to stay indoors as much as possible. It is also equally important to drink at least 64 ounces of water daily, no matter who you are! Dehydration may jump off the onset of a heat illness.

Living for Zachary wants to keep you all well informed and remind you to stay aware of yourself and others around you when you are outside this summer in this extreme heat. Keep an eye on that outdoor thermometer and always keep water handy. Remember this summer to - Listen to your heart .....

For a great list of safe summer fun for you and your family you can visit the American Heart Association for fun tips and outdoor safety tips.

Summertime is here - a perfect time to have their heart screened!

Summer is here and in Texas we are dealt with extensive heat during these summer months. School is out and many kids are participating in summer activities such as football, swimming, hiking and going off to camp.

Truth is, your child can be struck by Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) doing any activity. It is sad enough to say that many children have lost their lives to Sudden Cardiac Arrest doing what normal kids do.

The most common cause of SCA in a young athlete is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a condition where the heart muscle thickens). Many times a blow to the chest can also cause serious problems even when no SCA has ever been detected. The blow to the chest could be from a baseball, hockey puck, boxing or even another person's body.

Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Awareness and becoming aware of this horrific life stealer is the reason why Living for Zachary was formed. It is imperative as a parent that your child have his or her heart screened before participating in sports or any extra-curricular activities. Yes, most young athletes are given a history form to fill out and some family history forms along with a physical examination however most Doctor's offices, or facilities do not give a EKG or ECG.

THE HEART HOSPITAL Baylor Plano is supporting Living for Zachary by offering non-invasive electrocardiogram and echocardiogram screenings to youth ages 13-22.

Offered for $100, this screening package may prove to be invaluable to hundreds of youth in Plano and surrounding communities. Parents can call 1-800-4BAYLOR and request the “Living for Zachary” screening. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Sure, let your children enjoy their summer, but go ahead and have their heart tested - it may be the most important test yet for your child.