Living for Zachary AED Donation Program!

According to the Heart Rhythm Society , more than 250,000 deaths occur each year as a result of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). In fact, SCA claims one life every two minutes, taking more lives each year than breast cancer, lung cancer or AIDS. To decrease this death toll, Living for Zachary donates Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to qualified organizations in the community. This life-saving device plays a crucial role in resuscitating someone that has collapsed due to SCA.

To apply for an AED donation complete the application found on the AED area of the Living for Zachary website and return it to Mark Gonzales at mark@living4zachary.org or fax it to 972.478.5858. All applications are reviewed by our Donation Committee and approved based on eligibility. Applicants will be notified by email of decision within 45 days from date of submission.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Organization that works directly with youth ages 12-22 years old
• Organization that demonstrates a financial need for an AED
• Organization that exhibits a lack of AED coverage for the proposed facility

Approved applicants will receive the following equipment:

• (1) Automated External Defibrillator
• (1) Carrying Case
• (1) Long Life Battery
• (1) Adult Pads
• (1) Infant Child Pads
• (1) CPR Ready Kit
• (1) AED Alarmed Cabinet with Wall Sign or Waterproof Case

 If you have questions about our AED Donation Program, contact Mark Gonzales at 214.336.3525.

Living for Zachary will donate an additional 40 AEDs into the community in 2012!

Incredible HeartRun 2012

4th Annual Living For ZacharyIncredible HeartRun 2012

The Shops at Legacy Plano, TX 

Saturday, October 27, 2012 

More than 1,000 runners and walkers celebrating the progress in the fight against sudden cardiac arrest in youth. 1 mile Fun Run and 5K Run/Walk plus exciting activities for your entire family.
Bounce houses, face painting, balloon artistry, and more!

More Information to follow soon! To volunteer for this event - please contact Kim Granger at Kim@living4zachary.org.

Condolences to the Isaac Arzate Family

After a near death heart attack three months prior 12-year old Isaac Arzate died hours after collapsing during n baseball game at Scott Elementary School in Salem on Friday night.

All too often we take things for granted. In this story - this 6th grader had heart surgery after his first collapse on January 6th Arzate had surgery days later at Oregon Health and Science University to repair a heart defect. Although the surgery was deemed a success - it was unclear if he had been cleared to participate in sports or sporting events.

The same rescue officials that revived him in January were called to his rescue again - he passed away on Monday.

Read more about Isaac Arzate in the article in USA Today.

Living for Zachary sends their deepest condolences to this family and pray for their healing in the loss of their son.

Gone but not forgotten... Zac Schrah

On April 2, 2009 a wonderful, beautiful life was lost due to Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). No warning, No signs, just gone - no chance to say goodbye.

Today, we remember the passing of this vibrant young man - Zachary Schrah but rejoice in knowing the impact that he has made on others.

On this very day - 3 years ago - it was a normal workday for Karen Schrah, not knowing that April 2nd would be the most remembered day of her life. A simple goodbye in the morning, a simple day that turned out to be not so not "just another day". Zachary collapsed on the football field and died of SCA, Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Sudden was right, no warnings, no "heads up", just gone from this earth. But... his 16 years of life has played a major role in many lives and impacted more people than Karen could have ever imagined. 

Yes, Zac is no longer on this earth and we can no longer hear his laughter, but it is true that his passion, his works and his love is felt more now than ever before.  The Living for Zachary Organization was created by Zac's Mother - Karen Schrah - Karen thought "What can I do to keep this from happening to other families"?  She got together with others and created this life impacting organization that will continue to help others and impact their lives all while honoring her son - Zachary.

Zachary is gone, but not forgotten as Living for Zachary will continue to strive to bring awareness of SCA to others and encourage young people to have their heart screened. The Living for Zachary Heart Screening is for a young person between 12-22 that can bring potential heart issues or heart defects to light.

Living for Zachary works tremendously hard in the community through their Heart Run, the Living for Zachary Gala, the Fishing for Hearts Open Team Tournament and more to come. Living for Zachary is growing and leaving the legacy and touching lives just as Zachary did. 

So, today we remember Zachary Schrah - gone  but HE will NEVER be forgotten by the works of others and the dedication of a Mother whose broken heart just wanted to do more. Thank you Karen for sharing your Zachary with us and for your unselfish works.

Psalm 30:5 "weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."