Group's gift to Frisco RoughRiders meant to save lives

STEVE STOLER

WFAA

Posted on June 12, 2013 at 6:21 PM

Updated Wednesday, Jun 12 at 8:00 PM

FRISCO — Zachary Schrah was only 16-years-old when he collapsed and died of sudden cardiac arrest during a Plano East High School football practice. His mother, Karen Schrah, started Living for Zachary, raising awareness of undiagnosed heart issues in teens.
"Obviously, since I lost Zach to heart disease and we weren't aware, I think it's so important for every family to have their child screened," she said.
Living for Zachary's mission is saving lives. Since it started four years ago, the organization has donated 89 defibrillators to youth-based organizations.
"Our first AED that we donated to St. Mark Catholic Church in Plano was used during Mass two years ago to save a man's life, when he collapsed," Schrah said.
The group’s latest gift of two AEDs went to Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco.
"We added one right by our home plate entrance and one on the other side of the ballpark, because really, time is of the essence when a sudden cardiac arrest does happen," said RoughRiders vice president Scott Burchett.
RoughRider executives hope they never have to use these defibrillators, but as a result of the gift, they're now prepared.
And that could mean the gift of life for someone whose heart suddenly stops.

Republished from WFAA