The 2015 Living for Zachary HeatBeats Gala

The HeartBeats Gala is a two-day annual event in Dallas, TX held during February, American Heart Month. Proceeds from the HeartBeats Gala benefits Living for Zachary (L4Z) whose mission is to raise awareness of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in youth. In three short years, the HeartBeats Gala has attracted more than 2,500 attendees, 50 corporate/private sponsors and has raised more than $1 million.

The first event is the Education Forum which is a free event offered to the general public to learn more about their heart health. Each year the Education Forum offers free Living for Zachary Heart Screenings for youth ages 12-22 – includes an echocardiogram, electrocardiogram and blood pressure check, free health tests to determine your personal health numbers, free medical advice from a board of nationally-recognized physicians, CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) awareness demonstrations, booths hosted by world-renowned medical manufacturers and wellness companies and heart healthy cooking presentation and tasting with free food and drinks.

In 2013, Living for Zachary received a proclamation from the Dallas Mayor, Michael Rawlings, stating that Friday, February 15, 2013 is ‘Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Day’.
 
The second event is the HeartBeats Gala which is a black tie affair offering cocktails, fine dining, live and silent auction, and live music.  In 2013, a wine pull was added to the night’s events to provide attendees the opportunity to purchase fine wines donated from the cellars of top wine connoisseurs. Every year, the HeartBeats Gala hosts approximately 1,000 business and community leaders, physicians and members of the medical community and strong L4Z supporters.

Stephanie Dempsey - a Southern Pioneer for the Heart

Stephanie Dempsey was a Volunteer for the American Heart Association and an advocate for heart screening died at 44. She was from Blairsville, Georgia who in July of 2014 testified before the Senate Finance Committee about her story regarding her fight with heart disease and her family's struggles.

According the American Heart Association, Dempsey was diagnosed with a hereditary coronary artery disease at the young age of 21. She had quadruple bypass surgery at 30, and later had another bypass and dealt with other health issues.

Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association quoted saying: "Her devotion to our cause, while battling her own illness, is a testament to the kind of person she was. Her legacy will continue as we continue seeking ways to help and improve the lives of everyone afflicted by heart disease.”

Stephanie Dempsey died Dec. 15, at her home in Blairsville, Georgia at a very young age. Her words will continue to ring for the American Heart Association and all that she stood for. 

 

 

Projected Deaths from SCA in 2014

When most people think of October, they think Halloween and now Pink - everyone is wearing pink in October, even the NFL.  Many people already realize that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month but many don't realize that October is also Sudden Cardiac Awareness Month.

Through many advances and bringing awareness to all, Breast Cancer survivors are on the rise. So, that is why Living for Zachary is working hard to not only bring Sudden Cardiac Awareness Month to people's attention but also now bring RED to the forefront as we become aware of SCA.

According to the Sudden Cardiac Awareness Foundation nearly 400,000 people will die unexpected from Sudden Cardiac Arrest outside the hospitals in 2014. Are you aware that there are people that do not even know about SCA and exactly what Sudden Cardiac Arrest means??

So, let's share the PINK and add some RED to October and bring awareness to all about SCA and how it can strike, just like Breast Cancer.

Don't be one of those "Projected Deaths" - be a informed individual through heart screening , early detection tools, educating the public (through CPR and AED's) and bring awareness to all about the Red in October.

Why October is important to us!

This month is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Month, an awareness campaign that is very dear to the hearts of all of us here at Living for Zachary, and for the families and friends of those that have been directly affected by sudden cardiac arrest.

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a heart condition that different from a conventional heart attack. During a heart attack, the heart doesn’t normally stop beating. During sudden cardiac arrest, the heart stops pumping blood to the rest of the body and for many, leads to nearly immediate death.

This month, many non-profits across the country have launched awareness campaigns to help the general public learn from the situations of others and to help become more proactive in getting their heart screened and detected for any potentially life-threatening signs.

Living for Zachary is so proud to have the HeartRun in October with hundreds of participants coming out and participating in a event to benefit the awareness of Sudden Cardiac Arrest. 

Know the facts about Sudden Cardiac Awareness

SCA is the leading cause of death in student athletes, that is a fact. Reports show every year 10,000 young people die from SCA.  Many appear healthy and have no known family history of heart-related illness. Although medical tests can detect the presence of heart concerns, many insurance companies generally do not cover their costs without the presence of symptoms or a family history of heart problems and many times if there are none, parent's do not pursue the test.

Typically, SCA symptoms are silent until it is too late. As a result, screening is critical to prevention. An echocardiogram can detect the potential for SCA with 99% accuracy and many of the problems detected can be treated or corrected. For this reason it is essential that screening be done at an early age.
Warning signs and symptoms of SCA: 
• Family history of unexpected sudden death during physical activity or during a seizure, or any other unexplained sudden death of an otherwise healthy family member under age 50  
• Unexplained fainting or seizures 
• Fainting of seizure during or after physical activity
• Fainting or seizure resulting from emotional excitement, distress or startle
• Chest pain or discomfort/ racing heartbeat • Dizziness/ lightheadedness during or after physical activity 
• Family history of heart disease
• Unusual shortness of breath
• Unusual fatigue/tiredness

If you are someone you love are having any of these signs or symptoms, please do not delay. Contact a physician today and don't wait! Prevention is the most important thing and a heart screening will tell if there is some underlying condition.

Heart Screening as a Precaution

With the recent death of Joan Rivers and her outpatient vocal chord procedure the topic of preparedness arises and can benefit all. 

At Living for Zachary we encourage all to be prepared with your health and have your heart screened, especially before you start an activity that could be hard on your heart or a medical procedure. 

With Heart disease many factors can come into play especially when you have a procedure

performed. Anesthesia, reactions to certain types of drugs, blood pressure changes, changes to your heart - all of these can add risk to the equation.

Heart Screening could save your life and the life of anyone, especially before a medical procedure. Changes can occur over the years with your health and your heat so heart screening can benefit anyone, especially youth heart screening. 

The mission of Living for Zachary is dedication to the awareness of Sudden Cardiac Awareness (SCA) in youth and saving the lives of others through community education and SCA Events. Promoting youth heartscreenings, student scholarships and donating AEDs to youth based organizations is our primary focus. However, we encourage all to have their heart screened, it’s your heart – take care of it and listen to it.

Take care of our Athletes

With Spring’s arrival means Spring sports for High School. Baseball in full swing, Soccer players out of the field, High School Softball and of course, the dreaded Spring football practice with the 7 on 7 games.

Although Springtime isn’t a HOT time of the year as far as temperature, it doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be aware of the issues and problems that our young athletes can run into. Our young athletes can get dehydrated, and experience muscle strains, tears and at times broken bones.

We depend on the Coach’s to prepare the water for the athletes and make sure they stay dehydrated, but what if there is a underlying problem that no one is even aware of, not even that high school football player or his family.

There are several steps that parents/coach’s and high school trainers can take to ensure the safety of the football players:

1/ Make sure that a trained staff member/adult is present at all times during a game or practice Make sure that staff member is trained and certified in first aid and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)~ If you don't know it, LEARN it! If you have access to a AED (automated external defibrillator) at the school, double check to make sure it is accessible quickly.

2/ Educate the player on health safety and warning signs. Make sure that the players are educated on nutrition, injury prevention and hydration and if he/or she feels sick or has shortness of breath ~immediately let a Coach or Administrator know!

3./ Have a AED available and near at all sporting events including practices. This could save a young person’s life.

4./ Encourage your High School athletes and parents to have a heart screening. Heart conditions are often undiagnosed until Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) occurs, and currently~ the majority of Sudden Cardiac Arrest incidents in youth athletes are fatal.

Living4Zachary promotes Heart Screening for all but especially in young athletes. It does make a difference, and if you don't believe how important screening is ~ just ask Karen Schrah, Mother of Zachary Schrah . Zachary died in April of 2009 of SCA at football practice, a simple Heart Screening could have helped save his life.

If you would like more information on the Living4Zachary mission, please visit our website and find out how to help with SCA awareness.

BeLIEVE in Heart Screening!

We all go about our daily lives and never really think about the effects of SCA, Sudden Cardiac Arrest. When most of us hear the words "Sudden Cardiac Arrest" we immediately think of an adult or someone who might have been sick or have heart issues however; it is important to remember that SCA happens to children as well.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) has been ranked as the number one sudden killer in children. Recently a teen in New Boston, Texas, collapsed during a physical education class. A normal PE Class on a normal day. All kids have a daily routine of classes that they may have some physical exertion but it shouldn't cause any child to experience any issues or problems.

SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest) doesn't just happen to those who are athletes, it can happen to any kid during any typical activity such as P.E. or a school dance or running on the playground.

Recently Children's Hospital's Care Network did a medical study of 400 children and young teens which concluded that it would be effective to screen all healthy school-aged children, not just limiting it to athletes. Currently, Italy and China use this practice and it is hoped that the U.S. will follow in their foot steps. The cost is minimal and it only takes about 10 minutes to complete but could save thousands of lives each year. If you live in the Texas area; THE HEART HOSPITAL Baylor Plano is supporting Living for Zachary by offering non-invasive electrocardiogram and echocardiogram screenings to youth ages 13-22.  This heart screening is 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.

The popular TV doctor, Dr. Oz ran a segment of his show in spring of last year and discussed SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest). During his show he told viewers how important it is for children to have their heart screened. Dr. OZ mentioned that there are usually no symptoms, no real warning signs to go by, just a normal child whose heart suddenly fails. He told a story of a 12 year old girl from Texas who was on vacation with her family and had asked to play at the water park. Her mom dropped her and a friend off and never knew that would be the last time she saw her child alive. The young girl suffered SCA while at the water park.

It is crucial to be pro-active and know your child's genetic risk factors as well as family health history. It is also just as important to know how to prevent death if a SCA situation arises. The government in Texas has now placed (AED's) automated external defibrillator's in all of the schools. Those AED's will save the life of our children as will having your heart screened.

SCA took Shane Del Rosario

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can be a devastating blow, even to the most trained professional fighters. A couple of weeks ago, UFC heavyweight Shane Del Rosario passed away at a hospital in Newport Beach, Calif. nearly two weeks after being admitted to the hospital as a result of suffering sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) at his house.

Del Rosario’s roommate (and teammate) found him lying unconscious on his bedroom floor when

he called emergency medical services.

Del Rosario had been placed on life support after being admitted to the hospital and after a resuscitation by his medical team, his brain activity revealed no signs of life.

In a touching tribute, his family will be starting a charitable organization to help bring awareness and research efforts to sudden cardiac arrest and long QT syndrome, a heart condition that is suspected to have been a contributing factor to the fighter’s passing.

We offer our condolences to the Del Rosario family. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can target anyone, so be proactive and get your heart screened today.

October is Sudden Cardiac Awareness Month!

This week launches Sudden Cardiac Arrest Month, an awareness campaign that is very dear to the hearts of all of us here at Living for Zachary, and for the families and friends of those that have been directly affected by sudden cardiac arrest.

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a heart condition that different from a conventional heart attack. During a heart attack, the heart doesn’t normally stop beating. During sudden cardiac arrest, the heart stops pumping blood to the rest of the body and for many, leads to nearly immediate death.

So starting this month, many non-profits across the country will launch awareness campaigns to help the general public learn from the situations of others and to help become more proactive in getting their heart screened and detected for any potentially life-threatening signs.

So stay tuned for more information from us on sudden cardiac arrest during this month, and take the first step on your own. Do some research and get your heart screened. It could save your life.

Heidi Stewart and her SCA Survival Story

Around this time of the year, many students are preparing for graduation. Students are taking their senior photos at special locations in their cities, compiling lists for graduation invites and crossing their fingers to finish finals and get on with the rest of their life… it’s a typical graduation story.

Heidi Stewart’s story is anything but typical.

On February 12, Stewart was helping students hang pink paper hearts around school hallways for Valentine’s Day. As she was walking down the hall to the school office, she began to grow weary and feel herself passing out.

The school nurse was called and rushed to the collapsed Stewart with an automated external defibrillator (AED) as emergency services were called. While the Associate Principal and Dean of Students began prepping for the AED by performing chest compressions, Heidi’s parents were called—the devastating call that no parent ever wants to receive.

For eight minutes, Heidi was clinically dead. Her youthful body was shutting down as she began gasping for another breath of fresh air while blood was coming from her mouth.

After continued CPR and shocks from the automated external defibrillator (AED), Heidi was revived and brought back to life, although she couldn’t immediately see her rescuers. Her vision later returned.

HeidiStewart’s story is one of many like her, a healthy young adult, actively involved with little health complications. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can strike any, and is increasingly attacking young adults and athletes.

Had it not been for the donated automated external defibrillator (AED), Heidi might not have been able to enjoy the celebration of four years of high school.

Be alert and aware and have your family and encourage your friends to have their heart screened for potentially fatal heart disease and complications.

Pennsylvania State Rep. Mike Vereb and Simon's Fund on SCA

Pennsylvania State Rep. Mike Vereb is making waves in the battle for awareness of the risks and dangers associated with SCA (sudden cardiac arrest). When two parents lost their infant son to SCA (sudden cardiac arrest), they came to Rep. Verab looking for answers and for change.

Together the parents and Mike Vereb started a non-profit called Simon's Fund to bring heart screenings into school across the state.Vereb is concerned that because of the growing competitive nature of youth sports, parents and coaches are pushing young athletes further than necessary. Vereb said that a bottle of Gatorade and a wet rag over the head of a athlete just doesn't cut it anymore.

New state policies require all students competing in athletics to have read and understand the symptoms of SCA (sudden cardiac arrest) and to let their coaches and parents know if they exhibit any of these symptoms. If so, they are removed from the field until their local medical professional approves them.

Strides are being made across the country for the benefit of our youth and students everywhere. Learn more about Simon's Fund or Living for Zachary for more information on Sudden Cardiac Arrest and heart screening for your family.

National Safety Month and SCA

Each month of June, the National Safety Council helps bring safety awareness to organizations to get involved and participate in National Safety Month. National Safety Month is a yearly observance to help people and organizations become educated in safety and different aspects of life. Each and every week during this month the National Safety Council has a theme for the week. The week of Week 4 is driving safety and assists in aiding people with good information on safety and driving

National Safety Month also means taking the steps to make sure that your heart has been screened and that you are not a prime candidate for SCA, Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Stay hydrated if if you are outside and being active. If you or your child is in sports and has outside practices or games, make sure that you are watching and being aware of the heat and your surroundings. Know where the AED is located, know your exact location and become aware.

Normally, the number 1 sign of sudden cardiac arrest is loss of consciousness-fainting. At the same time, no heartbeat (or pulse) can be detected. At times,  people may have a racing heartbeat, dizziness, lightheadedness, chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea (feeling sick to the stomach), or vomiting before sudden cardiac arrest.

Sudden cardiac arrest happens without warning alot of the time. SCA requires immediate emergency treatment and Doctors rarely have a chance to diagnose sudden cardiac arrest with medical tests as its happening. That is why Living for Zachary promotes and supports Heart Screening - make your appointment with the Plano HEART HOSPITAL today and celebrate National Safety Month and have your heart screening done today.

Teaming up for Heart Screenings

Zachary Swirczynski's hometown of Muenster, Texas honored him today with free heart screening for community members. Austin College's football player Zachary Swirczynski died from sudden cardiac arrest back in 2009 while playing a pick-up basketball game with friends.

Swircynski family members said a few months after Zach died,they learned of Zachary Schrah from Plano, TX - just a few towns away, who had also recently died from sudden cardiac arrest. Two months after Zach's death, sixteen year-old Zachary Scrah collapsed during his high school football practice, and died of sudden cardiac arrest.

Zachary Schrah's family quickly started "Living for Zachary," an initiative to save young lives from sudden cardiac arrest.

"When they heard about Living For Zachary.. They wanted to bring awareness to the Muenster community," Kim Granger, "Living for Zachary" coordinator and Zach Scrah's aunt, said.

On Tuesday, they did that by inviting medical staff from Baylor Plano Heart Hospital to give teens mobile heart screenings.

"The heart screening includes a blood pressure check... an echo-cardiogram and an electro-cardiogram," Granger said.

Zachary Swircynshi's sister Hillary said her family is grateful that they found someone who knows what they're going through.

"It's amazing. I'm so glad we found 'Living for Zachary' and we're doing this and I think it's only going to get bigger. Everything happens for a reason and we're supposed to be doing this and we're not just supposed to be accepting it. We're supposed to be getting it out there," Hillary said.

For more information on this article visit KXII/Fox Headline News

Living for Zachary shares John Gregoire's 10 year Anniversary!

Living for Zachary celebrates 

Anniversary of Life

John Gregoire ‘s 10 year Anniversary of Life Celebration

John’s Story

On June 23rd, 2002 I experienced Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) while working out with my wife and two boys at our health club. I had no symptoms, no pain or shortness of breath. Even when SCA happened, it was like turning off a light switch. There was no discomfort or chest clutching, just darkness. A heart surgeon, who was also at the club, saw me collapse. He immediately recognized that it was SCA and began CPR but I was not responding. He then asked if the club had a defibrillator. The club had just recently purchased one, and he used it to shock my heart back into rhythm. I had 99.9% blockage of a major artery that stents now keep open and I recovered completely. Please get a heart screening to see if you have any blockage and support the availability of defibrillators. I have a Philips defibrillator at home and at my office.

 Learn more about John’s story by viewing:

Living for Zachary is honored to share John’s story as he celebrates this milestone!


Donate to Living for Zachary

Screenings Attempts to Prevent Cardiac Arrest in Teens NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

Screenings Attempts to Prevent Cardiac Arrest in Teens

Screening takes 15 minutes

By Andres Gutierrez

|  Friday, May 11, 2012  |  Updated 7:15 PM CDT

A mobile unit is making its way around North Texas and the country screening for sudden cardiac arrest.

Sudden cardiac arrest is a condition in which an electrical disruption of the heart's natural rhythm makes the heart stops all together, resulting in death.

Living for Zachary is partnering up with others, such as Dallas-based National Teachers Associates Life Insurance Co., to provide mobile heart screenings around the country.

Karen Schrah founded the nonprofit Living for Zachary in memory of her son, Zachary, who collapsed and died during football practice in 2009.

"Prior to this episode, there was no warning signs," she said. "We had no indication that he had a heart condition or anything like that."

Since his death, Schrah has made it her mission to raise awareness of SCA.

"Had Zachary had this heart screening, he would still be here today," she said.

Sudden cardiac arrest occurs more often than people think and to those they may least suspect.

In the United States, more than 10,000 athletes and students between the ages of 12 and 22 are estimated to die of SCA each year.

The mobile heart screening lasts about 15 minutes.

It starts off with an electrocardiogram test that examines the heart's electrical activity. An ultrasound that looks inside of the heart is then conducted.

Seth Goodwin, 18, got a mobile screening after his mother signed him up for the test.

"It was cool to see my heart on the screen, to see it beat," he said.

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.

Not just on Valentine's Day but all through the year - love your heart

With Valentine's Day one day past it is called one of the most heart-friendly holidays that is celebrated all across the country. Valentine’s Day is a time to remember and celebrate old loves, as well as cherish and grow new relationships with friends, family, and with the people you care about.

Not just at Valentine's Day but through the year it is so important to show your loved ones how much you truly care by encouraging them to have their heart screened. Loved ones are lost every year because of devastating heart defects and unfortunately circumstances. Heart defects can be found if you take the right measures to find out.

The best option for checking on your heart health would be to have your heart screened. Most hospitals around the country have this option available to any who call ahead and set up an appointment. In most cases, any potential defects of the heart or problems can be fixed and addressed if discovered as early as possible.
THE HEART HOSPITAL Baylor Plano is supporting Living for Zachary by offering non-invasive electrocardiogram and echocardiogram screenings to youth ages 12-22.

Offered for $100, this heart 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.

So cherish your loved ones this year by loving them with all your heart - all year round, and by making sure that your heart will have love to give for the years to come!