<![CDATA[Anthony Bates Foundation - Blog]]>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 05:39:19 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Freedom. Awareness. Prevention. Action.]]>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 23:58:00 GMThttps://www.anthonybates.org/blog/freedom-awareness-prevention-actionJuly is a month when we celebrate freedom, independence, and the precious lives we hold dear. For me, this mission has always been about helping families experience a different kind of freedom, freedom from the unknown.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest often strikes without warning. Too many families never know there is a hidden heart condition until it is too late. That is why cardiac screening matters so deeply.
Screening gives families answers.
Answers create awareness.
Awareness gives us the power to act.
At the Anthony Bates Foundation, we believe every child, every parent, and every family deserves the chance to know their risk and protect their future.
This July, I invite you to declare independence from hidden heart risk.
💙 Get screened.
💛 Ask questions.
❤️ Protect the people you love.
​Because knowledge is power and early detection saves lives.
Please sign up for the entire ABF Monthly newsletter. Text or call to be added: 602-482-5606
]]><![CDATA[Strength. Resilience. Courage. Protection.]]>Tue, 16 Jun 2026 20:17:31 GMThttps://www.anthonybates.org/blog/strength-resilience-courage-protectionFather's Day is both a celebration and a tender reminder for me. I believe with all my heart that Anthony's dad, Allen Bates, is in heaven now — together with his son. That love never leaves you. To every man who carries the role of father in any form: provider, teacher, protector, encourager, your life is irreplaceable.
💜Protect it.
❤️Get screened.
💛Because strong hearts truly do build strong futures.
To every father, stepfather, grandfather, uncle, and mentor who shows up every single day, this month is for you. And to every dad who is watching over us from heaven, you are never forgotten. Your love lives on in everything we do. 💙
💛 With love, advocacy, and purpose,
Sharon Bates
Founder / CEO The Anthony Bates Foundation
__________________________________________________________________
💪 STRONG HEARTS BUILD STRONG FUTURES
Dads teach strength, resilience, and courage. Real strength also means taking proactive steps for heart health. Before summer sports and travel begin, schedule a screening for yourself and your entire family.
Did you know?
Youth Heart Health:
🚨 23,000 youth every year suffer a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in the USA.
💔 Less than 10% will survive.
🚌 That is a full school bus full of children dying from a preventable Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD).
Adult Heart Health:
❤️ 1 in 3 men will develop heart disease in their lifetime
💔 Heart disease is the #1 killer of men in the United States
⚠️ Every 40 seconds someone in the USA has a heart attack
🏥 70% of cardiac arrests outside of hospitals occur at home, making family awareness critical
💪 80% of heart disease is preventable with early detection and lifestyle changes
🩺 Men are less likely than women to seek preventive care, making screenings even more critical
​The message is clear, real strength means protecting your heart.
Ask these critical questions today:
  • ✅ Does my child's school or summer camp have AEDs (Automatic External Defibrillators)?
  • ✅ Are there trained staff members who can respond during a cardiac emergency?
  • ✅ Has my child AND my family had a cardiac screening?​
Please sign up for the entire ABF Monthly newsletter. Text or call to be added: 602-482-5606
]]><![CDATA[A Deadly School Bus Crash – EVERYDAY!]]>Sat, 07 Dec 2024 21:26:27 GMThttps://www.anthonybates.org/blog/a-deadly-school-bus-crash-everyday
​Disturbing shocking news is trending in today’s media.  I’m sure you haven’t escaped the horror stories about young athletes dropping dead on the playing fields in large cities and small towns across the U.S. Every three days, another high school athlete suffers a deadly Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in America. A recent EMS journal estimates that 23,000 youth suffer an SCA every year in our country. What’s worse is that less than 10% survive out of hospital SCA; approximately 60 children die every single day of the year! That’s a full school bus of kids wiped out, devastating parents, families, communities, and schools.

Almost half of the reported deaths in this country are related to the heart condition, HCM, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. This genetic condition causes the heart to become abnormally and catastrophically enlarged. Dr. Barry Maron, America’s leading HCM Heart Specialist, reports that 1 in 250 people have HCM. A population of 342 million equates to over 1.4 million afflicted! Young athletes with undetected heart abnormalities are at high risk of experiencing an SCA that could lead to their death.  Early detection of this specific heart condition and many other conditions can offer life-saving alternatives.

One of the leading causes of death in our country is heart disease. Over 400,000 people die each year from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) or heart attack (140,000 people.)  The number increases when we factor in deaths caused by stroke. The CDC and Heart Rhythm Society estimate that annually, 7,000 to 23,000 young people under the age of 19 die from SCA. Many of these deaths are preventable with cardiac screening tests. The American Heart Association estimates that our country would have to pay $2 billion per year to screen our 7.6 million high school athletes, who make up about 300–700 of the estimated student-athlete deaths. Besides these young athletes who are dying, we must be concerned for all children and adults in our country!

If I had known, twenty-four years ago, that my 20-year-old son and only child had a heart condition, life would be different today. He was just starting his adult life, spreading his wings and flying from the nest. He enrolled in college and played football for Kansas State University until he suddenly and tragically died in July 2000. If I had known that dizziness, chest pain, fainting, fatigue, and a racing heart were symptoms of heart disease, life would be different today. Anthony died not knowing his full potential and not knowing he could have lived a long, productive life with some lifestyle changes and medication. If I had known, he would still be alive today.

My heart breaks every time I think about what the world lost in this young man. Anthony was an honor student, an Eagle Scout, an athlete, a son, a stepbrother, a cousin, a nephew, a grandson, and a great-grandson. He had a loving, caring heart, serving as a volunteer, mentor, friend, and future leader of his community, state, and country. My heart continues to break every time I hear the onslaught of media coverage regarding more young boys and girls dying every day in this country from undiagnosed heart conditions. Their futures don’t come to fruition. Heritages are lost. 
 
After Anthony died, I immersed myself in learning all I could about heart health information. We found that there is a plethora of technology available and volunteers ready to assist in the life-saving efforts needed to protect kids in every community. We created a large-scale screening model and, in doing so, started our first heart screening event at Kansas State University in October 2001. The following spring, we launched our Arizona program at Anthony’s alma mater, Mountain Pointe High School in Ahwatukee.

Through the creation of the Anthony Bates Foundation (ABF) in 2002, we have become the leader of cardiac screening programs for kids in the U.S. Our relentless work is now recognized all over the globe. We have provided 20,000 echocardiograms (ultrasounds) and as many ECG (electrocardiograms) for youngsters. Our data show almost 15% of the young people screened have undiagnosed heart problems. Of those, 3% can be considered “Possible Life-Threatening (PLT)” issues. We have saved over 650 lives, and these families are now experiencing peace of mind and joy instead of drowning in remorse and guilt over the death of a beloved, irreplaceable child.

The Anthony Bates Foundation (ABF) continues to grow and expand. In 2023, we launched our International Heart Screening program in Mexico and returned in 2024. During these two visits, ABF screened 483 youth and adults. Our findings resulted in over 28% with abnormalities. Of those,7% can be considered “PLT” issues. In other words, we saved 40 lives in Mexico!

ABF has created a Community Screening Training Program (CSTP) to support the various groups that anxiously want to provide screenings for children and adults. As programs to screen kids spring up nationwide, individuals and groups continue to reach out to ABF for guidance and support. Over 100 ABF teams nationwide have screened well with over 1.6 million people, saving an estimated 32,000-plus lives.

In 2007, ABF launched a Low-Cost Cardiac Screening Program at our home office in Phoenix for people of all ages. Each family member can get blood pressure, ultrasound, and ECG tests and reviewed by a board-certified cardiologist. Dates are available weekly, though they book up quickly. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY! Your life and the lives of your children could depend on it! Check out our website (www.AnthonyBates.org) for more information and ways to participate in our efforts. 

As a non-profit charity, we rely heavily on donations and volunteers. ABF has another program for FREE Cardiac Screenings. To reward our volunteers, we will provide them with free cardiac screening. Health Occupancy Student Association (HOSA) and Bio-Med students make excellent volunteers as future healthcare professionals. Volunteers can earn an ECG/EKG certification to assist in their healthcare careers which has a $350 value. Additionally, donations and grant funds from these programs help us raise the funds needed to donate AEDs (Automatic External Defibrillators) for schools (elementary, Jr High and High School) and communities that host our Heart Screening Events. ABF constantly looks for new screening locations, such as schools, community centers, churches, and sports leagues, so we can “screen more hearts and save more lives!”  For additional information, visit our website (www.AnthonyBates.org) or call us at (602) 482-5606.

Through the Anthony Bates Foundation (ABF) work, we have advocated for heart health education and raised awareness of how every school nurse and parent can protect their children from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA.)  Unfortunately, at this time, it is not feasible to screen all children for the potentially deadly effects of heart disease, but we can gain substantial protection for our kids and staff through our goal to get AEDs in every school! Many Arizona schools do not have AEDs; some have them, and some only have one. Tragically, this year in the Albuquerque school district, all the AEDs were removed due to budget issues for maintenance. A Houston school district lost a student due to expired batteries and pads. After a thorough audit, over 170 AEDs failed to have operational batteries and pads. In Arizona, dentist offices and state prisons are required to have AEDs, but schools must find their own funding to obtain and maintain AEDs to protect students, staff, and visitors from SCA. Through the ABF Heart Screening Events / Fundraisers these screenings can save lives and raise funds to assist schools with obtaining and maintaining their AEDs. ABF is at the forefront of rectifying the situation and making AEDs accessible to all Arizona students.

ABF implores you to be proactive about heart screenings at your school and a tenacious advocate for your children’s heart health. Become a supporter of AEDs in public places, sporting events, playing fields, and all schools. Know the warning signs of SCA. Know your child’s heart health and your family’s health history. Become a champion for heart screenings today!
 
Warning signs of heart disease in young people, including kids:
• Chest pains
• Dizziness, light-headedness, fainting
• Racing heart or heart palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue

Protect children and staff in your schools:
• Does your school have an AED (automatic external defibrillator)?
• Do they have an emergency plan for a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) on campus?
• Are there trained personnel always on campus in case of a SCA?
• Where is the AED?
• Is the AED publicly accessible?

Treatments for HCM:
• Some people only need to be followed by a cardiologist and may only need intervention medicine later in life.
• For heart medications, a cardiologist could prescribe channel blockers & beta blockers.
• Restrictions could be recommended for competitive burst sports and/or contact sports like soccer, basketball, football, and hockey.
• A high risk of SCA being present and can warrant Implantable Defibrillators 
• Heart surgery, such as Myectomy or Alcohol Ablation, could be recommended to reduce the blood flow obstructions and symptoms.
• A heart transplant can be recommended in rare cases (less than 5 %.)
]]><![CDATA[Prevención de Paro Cardíaco Subito a la Manera                  de la Fundacion  Anthony Bates]]>Sat, 11 Mar 2023 00:14:24 GMThttps://www.anthonybates.org/blog/prevencion-de-paro-cardiaco-subito-a-la-manera-de-la-fundacion-anthony-batesPicture
Paro Cardiaco Subito en los Jovenes es un problema de Salud Publica que tiene Solucion!

El paro cardíaco súbito (PCS) es la principal causa de muerte en atletas jóvenes durante la práctica de deportes. Las principales organizaciones médicas están de acuerdo en realizar exámenes cardíacos para la detección temprana de afecciones cardíacas. Los métodos, sin embargo, siguen siendo objeto de debate.

En Parent Heart Watch sitio web reporta datos alarmantes  informan de jovenes que perdieron la vida por (PCS) por una condicion cardiaca no detectada

El equivalente a casi un joven cada hora, diariamente , cada año en los Estados Unidos .1 de cada 300 Jovenes puede tener una afeccion cardiaca no detectada. La mayoria de estas muertes se pueden prevenir con examenes regularmente y continuos

La Academia Estadounidense de Pediatría (AEP) y Parent Heart Watch recomiendan y abogan por el examen cardíaco de todos los niños, ya sea que participen en deportes organizados o no. Las nuevas pautas de detección se pueden ver aquí.

En Arizona, otra defensora y campeona proactiva de la prevención de (PCS) a través de exámenes regulares es Sharon Bates, fundadora y directora ejecutiva de la Foundation Anthony Bates (FAB). La FAB  programa eventos de detección continuos en todo el valle y en todo el estado. Cabe destacar que el FAB supera las recomendaciones nacionales de detección y los coloca a la vanguardia para cerrar la brecha entre la evidencia, la política y la práctica.

Datos sobre PCS
  • El corazón deja de latir repentinamente, deteniendo el flujo de sangre al   cerebro y otros órganos vitales.
  • Afecta a atletas jóvenes Y niños y adolescentes sanos que no participan en deportes organizados.
  • Es fatal si no se trata inmediatamente. Con  reanimación cardiopulmonar (RCP) debe iniciarse de inmediato, activando un plan de acción de emergencia y usando un desfibrilador externo automático (DEA) utilizado dentro de los 5 minutos.
  • Las condiciones del corazón pueden cambiar o evolucionar con el tiempo, lo que significa que un corazón que alguna vez fue normal puede desarrollar una enfermedad a medida que el niño crece. La evaluación continua es esencial.
  • Cualquier niño que tenga síntomas debe ser examinado todos los años. FAB  remite las pruebas de detección anormales al médico de familia o al médico de atención primaria . Si se justifica, el doctor Primario lo referirá a un cardiólogo.
Cuales son las causa mas communes de PCS en Jovenes
  • Enfermedad cardíaca eléctrica o problemas del ritmo cardíaco 
  • Enfermedad estructural del músculo cardíaco o de las arterias que suministra sangre al corazón
  • Un golpe repentino en el pecho, infección del músculo cardíaco, electrocución, uso recreativo de drogas.

¿Qué debe incluir el examen del corazón?
  • Visitas periódicas de niño sano con su médico de cabecera
  • Antecedentes familiares de enfermedades del corazón.
  • Evaluación previa a la participación deportiva
  • Cuestionario cardiovascular para atletas/estudiantes, controles de presión arterial, ECG/EKG (electrocardiograma), cardiograma ECHO (ultrasonido) (prueba estándar en eventos  de detección de FAB)
  • Capacitación en RCP y DEA basada en la comunidad
  • Colocación de DEA en terrenos escolares, cerca de campos deportivos y de entrenamiento, y en lugares públicos donde juegan los niños
 ¿Quién debe ser evaluado para el riesgo de PCS?
  • TODOS los niños deben someterse a pruebas de detección de problemas cardíacos, no solo los atletas jóvenes que necesitan exámenes físicos deportivos. Las pruebas de detección deben incorporarse a las visitas regulares de niño sano, al menos cada dos o tres años, lo que respalda la necesidad y la importancia de las pruebas de seguimiento continuas.
  • TODOS los niños de primaria, secundaria y preparatoria deben ser evaluados ya sea que estén practicando deportes o no.
  • Considere evaluar a los niños que tuvieron la infección por COVID-19.
  • Llame a (FAB)  para organizar un evento.
  • programe la evaluación de su hijo en un evento de FAB cerca de usted.
Puntos principales para llevar:
  • TODOS los niños deben someterse a pruebas de detección en las visitas regulares de control de niños sanos y cada año para detectar afecciones relacionadas con el corazón que puedan provocar un PCS.
  • Se debe requerir un historial médico y de condiciones cardíacas detallado, y un examen físico.
  • Se recomienda un ECG/EKG y/o un ECHOcardiograma, leído por un cardiólogo pediátrico (estándar en un evento de detección de FAB).
  • Remisión al médico de familia , primero. Luego, si se necesitara  mandar  a los pacientes a un especialista cuando esté indicado.
  • Repita la prueba del corazón al menos cada 2 o 3 años, preferiblemente una vez al año (menores de 19 años). Los adultos deben hacerse la prueba cada 5 años.
  • Identificar factores de riesgo, signos y síntomas de PCS (a menudo sin advertencia)
  • Un plan de acción de emergencia, capacitación en RCP basada en la comunidad y colocación de DEA en áreas públicas donde juegan los niños.
Recursos
1. https://parentheartwatch.org/aap-heart-screening-policy/ healthychildren.org
2. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.119.012235
3.https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/148/1/e2021052044/179969/Sudden-Death-in-the-Young-Information-for-the? autologincheck=redirected#sec-25  
4. https://www.anthonybates.org/
]]><![CDATA[Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention the Anthony Bates Foundation Way!]]>Fri, 10 Mar 2023 23:49:32 GMThttps://www.anthonybates.org/blog/sudden-cardiac-arrest-prevention-the-anthony-bates-foundation-waySudden Cardiac Arrest in the young is a public health problem with a solution!
Picture

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death in young athletes during sports. Major medical organizations agree on heart screening for early detection of heart conditions. The methods, however, remain debated.

The Parent Heart Watch website reports alarming data. They report that youth lost to SCA from an undetected heart condition is equivalent to nearly one youth every hour, daily, every year in the United States. 1 in 300 youth can have an undetected heart condition. The majority of these deaths can be prevented with regular, ongoing screening.

Prevention should include a detailed medical history at regular well-child visits, life- saving heart screenings, and follow up care. The importance of regular AND follow-up screenings should be stressed. This is not a one and done event.
 
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Parent Heart Watch recommend and advocate for the heart screening of all children, whether they engage in organized sports or not. The New screening guidelines can be viewed here.
 
In Arizona, another advocate and proactive champion for prevention of SCA through regular screening is Sharon Bates, founder and CEO of the Anthony Bates Foundation (ABF). The ABF schedules ongoing screening events throughout the valley and across the state. Noteworthy, the ABF exceeds the national screening recommendations placing them at the fore-front of bridging the gap between evidence, policy, and practice.
Facts About SCA
  • The heart suddenly stops beating, stopping blood flow to the brain and other vital organs.
  • It affects young athletes AND healthy children and adolescents who don’t participate in organized sports.
  • It is fatal if not treated immediately. Cardiopulmonary Recuscitation (CPR) should be started immediately, activating an emergency action plan, and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) used within 5 minutes.
  • Heart conditions can change or evolve over time, meaning that a once normal heart can develop disease as the child ages. On going screening is essential.
  • Any child having symptoms should be screened every year. ABF refers abnormal screening tests to the family doctor or Primary Care Physician (PCP.) If warranted, the PCP will make referrals to a cardiologist.
What Are Some Main Causes of SCA in Young People?
  • Electrical heart disease or heart rhythm problems
  • Structural disease of the heart muscle or of the arteries that supply the heart with blood
  • A sudden blow to the chest, infection of the heart muscle, electrocution, recreational drug use.
What Should Heart Screening Include?
  • Regular well-child visits with your family doctor
  • Family history of heart disease
  • Sports Pre-Participation Evaluation
  • Athlete/Student Cardiovascular Questionnaire, blood pressure checks, ECG/ EKG (electrocardiogram), ECHO cardiogram (Ultrasound) (standard testing at ABF screening events)
  • Community-based CPR and AED training
  • AED placement on school grounds, near athletic and training fields, and in public places where children play
Who Should be Screened for SCA Risk?
  • ALL children should be screened for heart problems, not just young athletes who need sports physicals. Screening should be incorporated into regular well-child visits, at least every two to three years, supporting the need for and importance of on-going, follow-up screenings.
  • ALL elementary, middle school and high school kids should be screened whether or not they are playing sports.
  • Consider screening children who had COVID-19 infection.
  • Call ABF to host a screening event at your location.
  • Or schedule your child’s screening at an ABF event near you.
Main Takeaway Points:
  • ALL children should be screened at regular, routine well-child visits, and every year for heart-related conditions that can lead to SCA.
  • A detailed medical and heart conditions history, and physical examination should be required.
  • An ECG/EKG and/or ECHOcardiogram, read by a pediatric cardiologist is recommended (Standard at an ABF screening event).
 
Referral to family doctor or PCP, first. Then if warranted, PCP will refer patients to a
  • specialist when indicated.
  • Repeat heart screening at least every 2-3 years, yearly is preferred (under 19 years of age.) Adults should be screened every 5 years.
  • Identify SCA risk factors, signs and symptoms (Often no warning)
  • An Emergency Action Plan, community-based CPR training and AED placements in public areas where children play.
Sources 
1.    https://parentheartwatch.org/aap-heart-screening-policy/ healthychildren.org
 2. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.119.012235
3.https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/148/1/e2021052044/179969/Sudden-Death-in-the-Young-Information-for-the? autologincheck=redirected#sec-25
 4. https://www.anthonybates.org/
]]><![CDATA[What Is a Young Life Worth?]]>Tue, 10 Mar 2020 19:29:57 GMThttps://www.anthonybates.org/blog/what-is-a-young-life-worthWhat Is My Life’s Work!
Picture
Picture
Picture
]]><![CDATA[Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month]]>Wed, 09 Oct 2019 17:15:38 GMThttps://www.anthonybates.org/blog/sudden-cardiac-arrest-awareness-monthOctober is also Anthony's birth month!
October 6, 2019, Anthony would have been 40, but…
Picture
his life was snuffed out due to undiagnosed heart disease or HCM - Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy,
 
Why?  Because 19 years ago there was little being done to prevent Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)! There was no “Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month”
 
But, his untimely death launched the rise of the foundation that bears his name and his legacy

Today, 19 years later, not a day goes by that I don't still miss my son. And 19 years later
 
nearly 1 million hearts have been screened with over 45,000 possible lives saved through the teams that have been trained by the program built in his honor.

The lives we have impacted, the lives we have saved are in a very large part due to our loyal supporters like YOU:  DONORS, VOLUNTEERS and RECIPIENTS of the ABF heart screenings that gave YOU peace of mind that YOU are “heart healthy.”
 
Today, 19 years later, we face new, crucial challenges.  ABF MUST replace worn out sonogram machines, at $15,000 each!  How will we do this?  We hope through YOUR vigorous generosity as YOU realize all the vital work we have done and what we need to do in 2020 and beyond.  Our goal, simply stated is to continue to “screen more hearts and save more lives”. But we can’t do this without YOU! Help us get new sonogram machines! PLEASE make a heart-felt donation of $40 in Anthony’s honor, for what would have been his 40thbirthday.  YOUR timely donation will make a pivotal difference at this financial crossroad and have a lasting impact, hopefully for decades to come. 
 
Thank you, in advance!
 
From my heart to yours,
 
Sharon
Anthony’s Mom

P.S. Here is the link for YOU to make a difference TODAY!  igfn.us/form/OaOVNA
]]><![CDATA[October is SCA Awareness Month!]]>Tue, 01 Oct 2019 19:51:55 GMThttps://www.anthonybates.org/blog/october-is-sca-awareness-month
Picture
Besides the ladies taking care of your breast health, October is also Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Awareness Month in the USA.
  • Children do have heart disease
  • 1 out of 110 babies born in the USA have a congenital heart issue
  • 1 out of 250 people develop HCM - Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
  • HCM is the leading killer of young athletes in the USA
  • Anthony had ALL of these statistics and 19 years ago he suffered a deadly SCA

SCA happens to over 300,000 adults & approximately 12,000 of those are children!

891 broken hearts every day!

Do you know CPR? Do you know what to do in an emergency?

We will share some tips and tricks over the next month to help you become engaged in the heart health of you and your family!

#GotHeartGetScreened

#CallPushShock
]]><![CDATA[The Anthony Bates Foundation Paves the Path of SCA Prevention | #WhyItMatters]]>Wed, 31 Jul 2019 23:18:44 GMThttps://www.anthonybates.org/blog/the-anthony-bates-foundation-paves-the-path-of-sca-prevention-whyitmattershttps://emergacenter.com/whyitmatters-anthony-bates/
Picture
PHOENIX, AZ — On the field since he was 9 years old, Anthony Bates was a born athlete. He thrived on baseball, soccer, and wrestling. But his true love was football. This sport would take him all the way to the Division I Team at Kansas State University at the height of his career. He was a strong, dedicated athlete who was in his prime. But at the young age of 20 years old, Anthony Bates died from a Sudden Cardiac Arrest event. His SCA event stemmed from an un-diagnosed heart condition.
 
He went through over 25 pre-participation physicals through his sports endeavors. Each one showed him to be in perfect health. But under that clean bill was a heart condition no one would catch. It wasn’t caught because none of the physicals required a heart screen. 
 
Nearly 20 years later, his mom, Sharon Bates, is paving a path of prevention to ensure his story is not repeated in the lives of other young athletes.
Picture
Paving the path of prevention.As a single mother,  Sharon was very close with her son Anthony. After his death, she had a choice to make. Curl up in a ball of despair or, the path she chose, to save countless lives across the country.
One thing was obvious: Anthony’s death was preventable. He died from a heart condition known as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy or HCM. This is a genetic condition that attacks the muscles of the heart. It usually strikes in teenage years. As with many heart conditions, it can be found through a preventative heart screen. When HCM is caught early through  screening,  there is little

effect on an individual’s life.  A cardiologist and/or cardiac surgeon can provide corrective medications, heart procedures and possible implanted internal defibrillators (ICDs) to prevent a Sudden Cardiac Death.  In most cases, when necessary medical intervention steps are put into place an individual diagnosed with HCM leads a productive active life.
 
Because preventive heart screenings are not a part of sports physicals, Anthony’s condition was never caught. And it ended up taking his life. Through her volunteer work with an HCM association, Sharon learned of these dangers. She knew that something needed to be done. Future families needed to be protected from enduring the loss she suffered.
 
In 2002, she launched the non-profit Anthony Bates Foundation (ABF) in her son’s memory. There she began her mission to promote and make heart screenings commonplace. Both for students on a whole, but also student athletes nationwide. Nationwide Heart ScreeningsThe first set of heart screenings under ABF took place in areas that were significant in Anthony’s life. Manhattan, Kansas, where he attended college. Phoenix, Arizona, where he graduated from high school. Both events included an outpouring of community support and enthusiasm. They were also met with dedicated volunteers, both in and out of the medical field.
 
And the prevention work only grew from there. 
Picture
ABF has screened thousands of hearts in Arizona and across the nation in the past two decades. This is thanks to many donations and partial program grants.
 
Sharon has trained dozens of heart screening teams. And those teams have also screened hundreds of thousands of young hearts because of her work.  Sharon’s data concludes that about 1 in 7 people she screens have some sort of heart issue. Many findings point to potentially life-threatening condition!  This is the urgency behind her mission. 
 
They have held over 100 large school heart screenings. There, more than 15,000 youth participated. Their screenings involve echo-cardiograms, ECG tests, and blood pressure readings. These tests undergo review by Board Certified Cardiologists. They then consult with participants whose screen shows a heart abnormality.
 
From those screenings, 358 lives have been saved
Picture
“Screening young hearts…Saving young lives!”Sam Van Dusen and his family were on their way to a soccer game one morning when made a stop at a local heart screening, held by ABF. Little did they know that decision would end up saving his life. Sam had a hidden heart condition, undetectable except by screening. Thanks to that screen, Sam had a corrective procedure performed on his heart a month later. He is alive today, active in soccer, and will now get to enjoy his college years starting this fall at Arizona State University.
 
Andrew Pieper was 20 years old when he underwent an heart screening at one of ABF’s events. There he learned he had a heart condition that could lead to an SCA event. One week later, he had a procedure to correct this issue and continue on living a normal life. Currently, Andrew is a deputy in the Napa, CA Sheriff’s Department.  These are just two stories among the hundreds of lives saved. All because of the preventative heart screenings conducted by the Anthony Bates Foundation. And their mission towards SCA prevention. Anthony’s legacy lives on!

Why It MattersMost Sudden Cardiac Arrest deaths are preventable through a heart screen. The work of the Anthony Bates Foundation proves this. Stories like Sharon Bates’ are vital in the fight to end Sudden Cardiac Arrest related deaths. The passion behind the Anthony Bates Foundation is what drives our work. The market’s only Safety Command Center for the home, we’re proud to feature an AED within our Centers. And provide greater access to potentially life-saving tools.
 
And that’s why we are also proud to feature our On the Go Bags. These bags provide safety on the go, wherever you are! The Bags are backpack style with a clear front pouch for easy AED viability. Each bag comes complete with a first aid kit, bleeding control kit, AED, and other safety items. Varieties include Recreational, Contractor, and Marine. They are perfect for sports outings, construction sites, or even on the water! Take safety wherever you go! Learn more here.
]]><![CDATA[It's a Wonderful Life ... Really!]]>Wed, 19 Dec 2018 18:54:46 GMThttps://www.anthonybates.org/blog/its-a-wonderful-life-reallyPicture
“I could only be grateful when I realized that I would rather have known you for a moment than never at all. I would rather endure this inexplicable pain of outliving you than to never have seen your face, spoken your name. I would rather be yours, and you be mine, regardless. Regardless of the sorrow, the sleepless nights, and the years I will walk this earth, carrying you in my heart.” ~Scribbles & Crumbs

I saw this quote today and had to share it with you. One of mine & Anthony's favorite movies is "It's a Wonderful Life!" We used to watch it together as a Christmas tradition.  We could not imagine what our world would be like without our loved ones and the impact on each other's lives. But the unimaginable happened to me and to many parents I have met over these past 18 Christmas's since Anthony left this earth.  It took me a few years after he passed to watch the movie once again.  After many tissues and tears, I have come to realize the importance of his short life & my continued life, too.  The impact that he has had on me, and many many others is immeasurable.  This time of year brings me to the reflective moments of the experiences of the year(s) past and the hope for the months  & year ahead.

My wish for you and yours is to connect with your loved ones deeper than in past experiences.  Life is short (don't I know that) and life is beautiful, too!  Enjoy your time with family and friends this holiday season and love deeper than ever before!  You too can have a positive impact on and in the world we share together.  Simple acts of kindness go a long way!  Make it a great day and a magical year ahead!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year my friends!
]]>