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!

Save a life, one heart at a time at Living for Zachary

Our mission at Living for Zachary has always been to raise awareness of  Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and help save lives. We want people as well as communities to become involved in events and promote youth heart screenings. Let us tell you how you can support us...

We always have events that need your input. If you are interested in helping Living for Zachary -  whether it be your time or becoming a Living for Zachary sponsor there is a form located on our site that can be e-mailed or faxed directly to us. You would be helping us with our fundraising efforts to award students with the L4Z scholarship and by donating AED's to schools. We also support the Living for Zachary screening program offered at THE HEART HOSPITALBaylor Plano.

We also have a donation page that keeps us going. It is such a great surprise when we receive donations, regardless of the amount. It takes a special person to think of others and is willing to help with a wonderful cause. Our Living for Zachary team appreciates each and every one of you that think of us!

There are so many Living for Zachary activities and upcoming events that we participate in just to spread the word on SCA. Even if you are not directly connected to Living for Zachary  please pass information to just one person the facts of SCA, you could be saving a life. That is a HUGE accomplishment! Save a life, one heart at a time.

Like Us, Tweet about us - share Living for Zachary!

Everyone has a Facebook or a Twitter page these days! And we all know its an excellent way of sharing information... even health related knowledge.

With a new generation being so technologically involved we think it's a great idea for them to also get involved in spreading the word about sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

Recently it has been noticed on Facebook that people will show support of a cause by making a post concerning that particular association. If we all had one day that we shared info on SCA could you imagine how many people we could reach and share information with?

On average a person on Facebook has 130 friends. If you posted that you are in support of learning about SCA or your support AED programs in schools your 130 friend could all tell their own 130 friends. The same is true for Twitter, the average person as 127 followers.


It is also becoming more common for associations like the American Red Cross or the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation to create a fan page. This allows us all to have another outlet of information in order for us to education ourselves on the importance taking action if someone goes in to SCA. They can give you instructions on how to perform CPR or how to use an AED, also they provide us all with resources for better education and further information.

Living for Zachary has its own page on Facebook that we hope you will check out! We provide you with educational blogs as well as links our benefits that we participate in year-round. Please also visit our site at www.living4zachary.org.

We also will be posting updates and information on the Living for Zachary Upcoming Events!  Stay Tuned and give us the BIG THUMBS UP when you like something. 

2nd Annual Fishing for Hearts Open Team Tournament Update!

2^nd Annual Fishing for Hearts
Open Team Tournament

September 03, 2011 Lake Fork, Texas Register for the tournament - click here Become a sponsor  -  click here Official Tournament Rules  click here HOST MARINA: The Minnow Bucket Marina $5,000   Guaranteed 1st Place Payback 1 in 6 entries $180 Team Entry includes Big Bass Open Tournament to All Anglers Except Professional Anglers (Subject to Polygraph) Top 3 highest placing teams fishing with a Junior Angler age 17 or under will receive a special bonus payout. 1st-$750 2nd $400 3rd $200  First Cast @ 6:30AM / Last Cast @ 2:30PM Off Limits begins at 8:00PM Friday Evening Prior to the Event SAMPLE PAYOUT BASED ON 100 PAID ENTRIES 1. $5000 7. $425 13. $275 2. $1500 8. $400 14. $250 3. $1000 9. $375 15. $225 4. $625 10. $350 16. $200 5. $550 11. $325 6. $450 12. 300 BIG BASS: 1st Place: $500 2nd Place: $250

Fishing for Hearts was created to raise funds for two organizations that exist to fight for our children’s hearts!

Living for Zachary began after the world lost a true gift – 16-year-old Zachary Schrah – who died of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) after a routine workout with the Plano East Panther Football Team. Zac, a varsity football player with no personal or family history of heart disease, was the picture of health.

Chynna’s Helping Heart was founded after Chynna Zmolik – also 16-years-old – died after open heart surgery to correct a coarctation of the aorta, a birth defect found only 2 weeks prior to her death. She was a life-long dancer and the incoming varsity mascot for the Forney Jackrabbits. Chynna was also the picture of health.

Knowledge is POWER!

Did you know that Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) kills nearly 300,000 Americans each year? That's about 1,000 people per day. While the number is much lower for youth because of the rarity, it still afflicts people of all ages. It is of utmost importance to be aware of necessary actions. And just like  Frances Bacon quoted - "Knowledge is power"!  Knowing what to do, when to do it and DOING IT is the best way to act if SCA hits.

To know how to prevent a fatality caused by SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest), it is also important to know exactly what happens to the heart during the process. There is an electrical disruption in the heart's rhythm and the heart stops beating. Most cases of SCA strikes suddenly and without warning which causes victims to collapse and become unconscious.Without the proper reactions - many die.


In order for a victim to survive is through quick action with CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator. AED's should be available in public places and bystanders should always be prepared and know the correct way of performing CPR. It is becoming more common that schools are requiring coaches, teachers and athletic trainers be schooled and trained in CPR and AED use.

According to statistics between 5,000-7,000 youth in the United States die from SCA each year. And approximately one (1) youth aged athlete suffers from SCA every three days. Those who have been saved only survived because they were in a high school with an AED program and surrounded by those who knew how to take action.

Living for Zachary completely supports the efforts in installing AED's in schools nationwide and we hope and pray that you take the information and share it with others. For more information about AED programs you can visit www.suddencardiacarrest.org.