Parent Heart Watch

12/14/2025

Today, we join families around the world in honoring Worldwide Candle Lighting Day.

At 7:00 pm local time, light a candle in remembrance of the children we have lost but will never forget. As candles are lit across time zones, their light creates a global wave of love, remembrance, and solidarity.

🕯️ We remember. We honor. We hold families close.

12/12/2025

Muskingum University sophomore and football player Jeremy Michael, 20, collapsed during a campus pick-up basketball game on December 9 and later died.

Jeremy is being remembered as a kind, positive presence who “always had a smile” and made those around him better.

Our hearts are with his family, teammates, and the Muskingum University community during this difficult time.

THE NATIONAL VOICE. PROTECTING YOUTH FROM SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST.

12/02/2025

Parent Heart Watch members Ralph and Deb Thibodeau of the The Josh Thibodeau Helping Hearts Foundation were recently honored as Hometown Heroes for their work to protect young hearts.

Their advocacy strengthens youth heart-screening awareness, increases cardiac-emergency preparedness, and honors their son Josh.

Their next community heart screening will take place on February 7, 2026 — National Youth Heart Screening Day.

THE NATIONAL VOICE. PROTECTING YOUTH FROM SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST.

12/01/2025

Where would you love to travel next? ✈️🌍

We’re getting ready to unveil a lineup of trips of a lifetime for the Heart to Heart Silent Auction — but before we do, we want to hear from YOU.

👇𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀!

Your next adventure might just be part of this year’s auction… 😉

11/25/2025

13-year-old Jemimah Audu of Fargo, North Dakota, collapsed during a basketball game at Discovery Middle School and later passed away at the hospital. An autopsy is pending, and her cause of death has not yet been determined.

Loved ones say she had no known medical conditions. Her family expressed gratitude to first responders and hospital staff for their efforts.

Our condolences go out to Jemimah’s family, friends, teammates, and school community.

THE NATIONAL VOICE. PROTECTING YOUTH FROM SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST.

11/19/2025

A Locust Valley student suffered a medical emergency during basketball tryouts. CPR was performed and coaches brought a nearby AED, which helped restore a heartbeat. The student is now recovering at Glen Cove Hospital.

Dr. John Zaso says events like this can happen during intense activity and stresses the importance of heart checks and access to an AED. St. Francis Hospital and Heart Center in Roslyn offers free cardiac screenings for student-athletes in grades 9–12. Louis J. Acompora Memorial Foundation

THE NATIONAL VOICE. PROTECTING YOUTH FROM SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST.

11/18/2025

Our hearts are with the family and school community of John “John The Cool” McCullough, a 17-year-old junior at Archbishop John Carroll High School who died over the weekend after an unexpected cardiac event.

The school shared that John is remembered as a “dear friend, beloved teammate and hard working student and athlete.” His sudden passing is a heartbreaking reminder that cardiac events in youth can occur without warning.

THE NATIONAL VOICE. PROTECTING YOUTH FROM SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST.

11/15/2025

❤️ A day of birthday fun at Disney turned into every parent’s worst nightmare — and ultimately, a miracle.

Just before his 6th birthday, Ernesto went into sudden cardiac arrest while riding his favorite rollercoaster. Thanks to his mother’s quick CPR and an AED, his heart was restarted — and today, 7-year-old Ernesto is thriving.

Doctors discovered he has an inherited condition that affects the heart’s electrical system. An implanted defibrillator now protects him — his very own “Iron Man” superpower.

Every second mattered for Ernesto. Every child deserves the same second chance. ❤️⚡

THE NATIONAL VOICE. PROTECTING YOUTH FROM SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST.

11/11/2025

𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝟐 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲

Take 2 minutes to learn the three simple steps that can save a life.

When someone suddenly collapses and doesn’t respond, immediate action matters.
This quick video shows you how to 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥-𝐏𝐮𝐬𝐡-𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐜𝐤 so you’re ready to help when seconds count.

▶️ Watch now

11/08/2025

𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙨!

A cardiac emergency can be confusing and frightening, and that confusion can delay getting help to the victim. Prepare now so you’re ready to act fast when someone suddenly collapses and is unresponsive.

Learning to 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹-𝗣𝘂𝘀𝗵-𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗰𝗸 empowers people to help once they understand sudden cardiac arrest and what to do in those first critical moments.

🎥 Watch video: https://youtu.be/D22Mkv2K3rI

A medical emergency can be confusing and frightening, which can delay getting help to the victim. It’s vital to prepare now to be ready to take immediate act...

11/07/2025

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐭 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐜 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐠𝐨 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝?

• Standard history and physical exams can miss up to 90% of youth at risk
• Many young people don’t recognize or report symptoms
• Parents and caregivers may assume their child is fine and simply “check the box” on forms
• Symptoms that do happen often feel “normal” to youth, so they’re dismissed or minimized

Early detection saves lives. Awareness is the first step.

11/04/2025

Take Action Tuesday ❤️⚡

Every action brings us closer to a world where every heartbeat matters.
Choose one step today to protect young hearts:

🧠 Know the signs of SCA
🫀 Promote youth heart screenings
⚡ Locate the nearest AED
📋 Review your Cardiac Emergency Response Plan

Small actions save lives — and your awareness makes the difference.