Source: The Press Democrat
From Tragedy to Action: Life-Saving AEDs in Schools and Parks
Nine years ago this month, while at a summer camp outside of Chicago, 16-year-old Michael Brindley was playing basketball with friends when he went into full cardiac arrest and those who were around him didn’t recognize what was happening. Due to the delay in response and despite using the lifesaving measures, Michael could not be resuscitated.
He died on June 22, 2016.
Following the death of their son, the Brindleys worked quickly to set up the Just1Mike foundation where they supported and funded heart screenings for students in Michael’s high school in 2017.
Of the 1,900 students screened, 13 students were identified with abnormal EKGs and were in need of further cardiac care.
Since then, the organization has helped sponsor tested over 16,000 high school students in the Chicago area, to identify students that may have undiagnosed heart conditions that put them at risk. Of those tested, more than 100 were referred for additional cardiac care.
Today, the Brindleys live in Sonoma and have brought the nonprofit’s mission to Sonoma Valley youths, families and schools.
Last year, with a grant from the Sonoma Valley Rotary, Just1Mike Foundation donated two AEDs to Altimira Middle School. The defibrillators are located on the school’s athletic field and near the basketball courts. There are two outdoor and public AED stations at Maxwell Farms Regional Park donated by Just1Mike with grant funds from Impact100Sonoma.
To read more visit: The Press Democrat
