My Nonprofit Reviews

My husband first suffered Cardiac Arrest in 1999, at the age of 49, in his workplace. Although he had no history of heart disease, he reportedly stood up, uttered an expletive, turned an "interesting" shade of purple, and collapsed. Luckily for us, nearby firefighters with a brand-new defibrillator saved him. That fortunate happenstance is one SCA has sought to ensure can be there when our loved ones our ourselves might suddenly suffer the same fate. SCA has been opening eyes to the difference between a heart attack (a "plumbing" problem) vs. cardiac arrest (an electrical problem); the prevalence (largest cause of natural death in the US), the victims (many young, healthy, athletic people), and the solutions (defibrillators and CPR). SCA brings awareness and action to address barriers such businesses or Good Samaritans fearing lawsuits for inadvertent injury. The "extra" 23 years my husband got gave him time to explore his passions of theater and writing, enjoy his beloved sons and grandbabies, visit the homeland of his Italian ancestors, and make me the happiest woman in the world. That we were so close to never having had this seems unthinkable - but for the simple combination of a piece of equipment and the accident of proximity, I would not have had the great joy of my life. SCA's efforts create that same happy ending for countless others, and they provide welcome community and support for survivors. Please get involved in any way you can.