• Home
  • Donations & Contests
    • Damage Control
    • Donations
  • Events & What's New
    • Events
    • News Release
    • Sponsorship
  • Volunteer
  • Our Stories
    • About Us
    • History of ABF
    • News Stories
    • Our Mission
    • Our People
    • Stories About Anthony
    • Successful Screenings
    • Testimonies
    • Video
  • Medical Education
  • Sponsors
  • What Is HCM
  • Blog
Anthony Bates Foundation

Anthony Bates BLOG

Prevención de Paro Cardíaco Subito a la Manera                  de la Fundacion  Anthony Bates

3/10/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
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/

0 Comments

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention the Anthony Bates Foundation Way!

3/10/2023

0 Comments

 
Sudden 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/

0 Comments

What Is a Young Life Worth?

3/10/2020

1 Comment

 

What Is My Life’s Work!

Picture
Picture
Picture
1 Comment

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month

10/9/2019

2 Comments

 
October 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

2 Comments

October is SCA Awareness Month!

10/1/2019

3 Comments

 
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
3 Comments

The Anthony Bates Foundation Paves the Path of SCA Prevention | #WhyItMatters

7/31/2019

1 Comment

 
https://emergacenter.com/whyitmatters-anthony-bates/
Picture
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.
1 Comment

It's a Wonderful Life ... Really!

12/19/2018

3 Comments

 
Picture
“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!


3 Comments

Sudden Cardiac Arrest: WHAT you should know and WHY!

11/7/2018

2 Comments

 
Picture
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'!

2 Comments

Another KSU family reunion & heart screening!

10/23/2018

2 Comments

 
Picture
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!"


2 Comments

How much is a life worth?

10/10/2018

1 Comment

 
Picture
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness month reminds us of that value!  In case you haven’t heard yet, October is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness month! Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death in the US, claiming more than 350,000 lives each year. SCA can happen to anyone at any time, even in those who have displayed no prior symptoms. Typically, SCA is caused by an electrical or structural problem, but it can also result from infection or a severe hit to the chest.
 
Over 90% of the time, SCA is fatal. Defibrillation is essential to saving lives, but if this is not administered in the first 6 minutes, the victim will most likely be lost. Chest compression and CPR can also be crucial to bridging the time between SCA and the arrival of an automated external defibrillator (AED).  
 
Risk factors for sudden death are not easy to identify, so being proactive can be key. As the name suggests, these symptoms set quickly and may not be obvious at first. Researchers recently have identified that the majority of victims have minor symptoms such as dizziness, chest pains or shortness of breath, occurring anywhere from four weeks to one hour before the event. Although these may not seem severe, when it comes to matters of heart, they should never be taken lightly.
 
In Anthony Bates’ case, SCA stemmed from undiagnosed Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). HCM makes the heart muscle abnormally thick and can cause unusual rhythms that can be life threatening for some. It’s the most common cardiac genetic disorder and probably the most well known cause of death among young high school and college athletes. Because this issues leading up to a SCA often goes undiagnosed until collapse, it is crucial be proactive.
 
Though he’s greatly missed, Anthony’s legacy has led us to save over 29,000 lives saved since his death. We’ve trained over 75 teams to offer heart screenings to youth and adults nationwide. That means over 650,000 hearts screened, and we have no intention of slowing down.
 
Come celebrate Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness month with us at an upcoming screening! Whether you have concerning symptoms, family history or are in the prime of your life, everyone can use a little peace of mind. Check out our events page and book your screening today!

1 Comment
<<Previous

    Author

    Sharon Bates-Maier, RCS

    Archives

    March 2023
    March 2020
    October 2019
    July 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    January 2018

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Home
About

Blog
Contact
Thank you for visiting our website. If you have questions about our services please feel free to contact us either online or on the phone. We are based in Phoenix, AZ. Copyright 2022, Anthony Bates Foundation. All Rights Reserved. 
​Website developed by Profit Website Management. 
  • Home
  • Donations & Contests
    • Damage Control
    • Donations
  • Events & What's New
    • Events
    • News Release
    • Sponsorship
  • Volunteer
  • Our Stories
    • About Us
    • History of ABF
    • News Stories
    • Our Mission
    • Our People
    • Stories About Anthony
    • Successful Screenings
    • Testimonies
    • Video
  • Medical Education
  • Sponsors
  • What Is HCM
  • Blog