| 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 %.) |  |
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 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
¿Qué debe incluir el examen del corazón?
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/ Sudden Cardiac Arrest in the young is a public health problem with a solution!  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
Referral to family doctor or PCP, first. Then if warranted, PCP will refer patients to a
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/  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  Besides the ladies taking care of your breast health, October is also Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Awareness Month in the USA.
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 https://emergacenter.com/whyitmatters-anthony-bates/ 
 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.  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  “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.  “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!  Sometimes it seems hard to believe but we’ve now screened over 14,000 hearts! Besides that impressive number, the more crucial 'why' you need to know factors that lead to SCA is that 1 in 7 people screened show some type of abnormality, sometimes life threatening - 1 in 42 people screened!
High Blood Pressure: To date we've had approximately 705 participants with seriously high blood pressure. This one should come as no surprise, considering how often we hear about it. Hypertension affects as many as 1 in 4 American adults and can increase your risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Treating high blood pressure can be as simple as modifying your diet and exercise in some cases. Others may need some help from beta blockers or other medication. Possible HCM: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a disorder we talk about frequently because it's what took Sharon's son, Anthony Bates, from us far too soon. It often goes undiagnosed because people will show few if any symptoms. Many people can go on to live perfectly normal lives with this diagnosis, however, for others, it can cause the thickening of heart muscles that lead to shortness of breath, chest pain or problems in the heart’s electrical system. We've found more than 244 potential cases of HCM to date. Genetic Dysfunctions: This generally pertains to holes in the heart (Patent ductus arteriosus, Atrial septal defect and Ventricular septal defect). We’ve found 41 holes in the heart throughout the years. These holes can happen at different places in the heart and lead to different problems. Some of these defects may not require treatment, they can even close on their own as you grow. These holes can put additional stress on your heart and lungs and could also lead to fluid build up. All people with this type of defect should be followed by a cardiologist in the event any complications develop. ECG/EKG Anomalies: With over 500 anomalies found, an abnormal ECG/EKG can mean any number of things, which is why we refer you to a specialist when we see one! Sometimes, an abnormal EKG could just be a normal variation of your heart’s rhythm. Other times it could mean that your heart has some sort of blockage or it’s working harder to pump blood. Other more serious complications include Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome and Long QT Syndrome. WPW is an extra electrical pathway in your heart that can cause rhythm problems. Though some people may never experience symptoms, a disruption to the heart’s rhythm can also lead to sudden cardiac arrest. This is a fairly rare disorder, but we’ve found it in nearly 20 screening participants! Long QT syndrome is another electrical issue that can lead to rapid and erratic heartbeats. These episodes can trigger fainting, seizing, even sudden death. Most people who come to our screenings are completely healthy, but nothing beats the peace of mind that comes with an expert's opinion. You just never know what dangers may lie underneath a seemingly healthy surface; perhaps a "ticking time bomb" in your chest! That's 'why' your support, at this holiday season, is so crucial to helping our mission; to spare another family the unbearable pain of losing a child or loved one before their time. Every $100 donated helps us screen another child's heart and pay for needed new equipment so we can "screen more young hearts and save more young lives!" Want to have YOUR heart screened? Check out our events and schedule an appointment today! And, by the way, you can make a tax deductible donation right on our homepage. That's 'what' you need to know as well. You already know 'why'!  Tomorrow Sharon heads out to Kansas State University (KSU) for their annual screening, back to where it all began. Kansas State played a huge part in Anthony’s life, even before he joined the football team. Before moving back to Phoenix from Wichita in the 6th grade, Anthony loved watching Kansas State football with his family (even if they were one of the worst college teams in the league!). While the Bates Family lived in Wichita, the tides turned for K-State with the introduction of Coach Bill Snyder.
Anthony started playing football at the age of 10 (Sharon even coached his first two seasons). Once he reached high school, he played on the Freshman, JV and Varsity teams for Mountain Pointe. Anthony had always wanted to play for Kansas State in college, and by the time he was ready to go, they were actually winning. He wasn’t considered for a KSU scholarship his first year out of high school, so he headed to Phoenix College to continue playing football. Though Anthony was getting some attention from the coaching staff at Kansas State during his first season, it wasn’t until the second season that Defensive Line Coach Mo Latimore started making some calls. Coach Latimore called to talk to both Sharon and Anthony to get an idea of how he was doing as a student and if he was still passionate about playing. In the end, Coach Latimore still decided not to move forward with Anthony. By some twist of fate, Anthony’s name was left on a list for Coach Bill Snyder to call. Even though Anthony explained there had been some kind of mistake, Coach Snyder still took 30 minutes out of his day to get to know him a little better. Right after Anthony and Coach Snyder had the chance to talk, assistant coaches Bobby and Mike Stoops were causing some serious drama over at Kansas State. Mike was offered a job at the University of Oklahoma and took half the recruits with him. Couple that with a hard loss at the 1999 bowl game and Anthony finally got his call. He was off to Kansas on January 2nd, 1999. As a late recruit, Anthony did receive the usual wellness physical. But, back then, no heart check was included. Coincidentally, the next opportunity for a physical would have been the day after his truck accident and Sudden Cardiac Death. As ironic as that may seem, it wouldn’t have mattered. To our understanding, no NCAA Division I college athletic program was utilizing any sort of heart screening technology, and Anthony’s disease would not have been caught. Kansas State University and Coach Snyder have been absolutely integral in the development of the Anthony Bates Foundation (ABF). They’ve continued to offer their support, host screenings, and collaborate with strategic partnerships throughout the years. Had Anthony gone to any other school, we know the support would not have been the same. Coach Snyder has always emphasized the importance of family, and he never hesitated to make us part of his. As Coach Snyder said, “there is no appropriate time for death,” but Anthony’s passing has not been in vain. With the support of Coach Snyder and Kansas State University, Kansas State Alumni Association, Kansas State Foundation, and the entire Manhattan, KS community we’ve screened over 14,200. Plus, ABF has trained over 75 organizations across the country & worldwide that have screened over 600,000 young hearts. Our efforts combined have saved THOUSANDS of families from the same loss, and we have no intention of stopping. We strive to do better each day! Be part of Anthony's legacy, dig deep down in your HEART to donate now to allow us to screen more hearts & save more lives! Visit www.anthonybates.org/donations.html "Screening young hearts and Saving young lives!" |
AuthorSharon Bates-Maier, RCS Archives
December 2024
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