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Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month

10/9/2019

October is also Anthony's birth month!
October 6, 2019, Anthony would have been 40, but…

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

October is SCA Awareness Month!

10/1/2019

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

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

7/31/2019

https://emergacenter.com/whyitmatters-anthony-bates/

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.

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.

It's a Wonderful Life ... Really!

12/19/2018

“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!

Sudden Cardiac Arrest: WHAT you should know and WHY!

11/7/2018

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'!

Another KSU family reunion & heart screening!

10/23/2018

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!"

How much is a life worth?

10/10/2018

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!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

10/4/2018

What is it about food that brings people together? Being able to make a dish and share it with the ones you love goes back to the very beginnings of tradition, and it truly represents a special bond. There’s nothing quite like making a recipe that’s been passed down through generations, eating the same foods our great grandparents used to, and making new memories along the way. Yes, there’s definitely something special about coming together to create and share a meal that carries a legacy with it.

Here at the Anthony Bates Foundation, we also cherish the bonding experience that comes from making and sharing a meal. 11 years ago, we decided to reach out to our community and create a cookbook of our own. Tastes of Heaven was truly a labor of love from all of our wonderful families and friends. We gathered all types of recipes and even included some of Anthony’s favorites (Corn Casserole was a major standout!).

Whenever we share our family recipes, we share a little bit of our own story and the people in it. We have the chance to remember those that may no longer be with us while we create new memories of our own. It’s because of this that we are pleased to share with you Tastes of Heaven Volume 2. With nearly twice as many recipes, you’ve got double the opportunity to set aside some time to prepare great meals to share with family and friends. I’ve personally tried a couple recipes and you will not be disappointed. Easy Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Sauce was (courtesy of Cindy Baker. a longtime friend & ultrasound volunteer) and the Gluten Free Melting Moments (courtesy of Pat Paxton, a longtime friend) are the ideal treats for an office potluck. The Cook-Top Cove: Ground Beef Stroganoff in the Slow Cooker (courtesy of Laura Martin, ABF volunteer) is a perfect fast-and-easy weeknight meal that is sure to keep the whole family satisfied. With over 275 recipes, there’s a little bit of something for everyone, and it's the perfect secret weapon with the holiday season fast approaching!

Think about all the important people in your life, family and friends, past and present, with which you’ve shared meals, and the happiness, joy, love, and memories surrounding them. Rekindle those memories and make new ones today by visiting our website. You can order your copy of Tastes of Heaven Volume 2 NOW! And while you’re at it, why not pick up 4 extra copies (and get 2 FREE) to make perfect holiday gifts “from the heart”. All proceeds will help us with our continuing mission to “screen more hearts and save more lives”. With every heart screened, we get to expand our community, share our purpose and develop connections with one another. And it should come as no surprise: we always bring the food!

Now, that’s “food for thought!”

Reconnecting to Save Lives!

9/25/2018

This past weekend we hosted a heart screening event with our friends over at Chandler MMA. On average we try to have 2-3 screenings per month, but this one was extra special because it all happened by chance encounter.

It’s not unusual for us to repeat screenings at local schools and doctors’ offices, but this was actually our second screening event with Master Paul McGowan of Chandler MMA. We did our first screening with Master McGowan at the Polar Ice Complex back in 2007. We had a turnout of 139 people and found nearly 10% of participants had some sort of abnormality that needed further review from a cardiologist. Overall it was a fantastic event, and Master McGowan was amazingly supportive of our mission. Sadly, we lost touch with him over the years.

Fast forward to Summer 2018: We’re gearing up for a full season of heart screenings and determined to get more people to attend. We’ve made community outreach a huge priority in an effort to share our story and screen more hearts. By chance, Chandler MMA just happened to show up on our list of outreach for the day and we were so glad it did! Master McGowan responded to us enthusiastically and immediately wanted to host another event of his own. Master McGowan is an incredibly athletic guy, and he values his health. He’s continued to praise and support our mission, calling it an essential tool for peace of mind for any athlete or child. He’s undoubtedly passed this sentiment onto his students too.

Of course, we were happy to host another screening with Master McGowan. All totaled we screened over 50 hearts, and while we are still waiting on those results, we couldn’t be more satisfied with the outcome. We recruited volunteers from his employees, student body, even his family and put them to work at our blood pressure table, ECG/EKG stations and data entry. This event could not have been what it was without Master McGowan, his dojo, and the great community surrounding us.

Community has been and will continue to be the main driver of our success. There’s nothing we like to hear more than our friends and donors sharing our message among communities of their own. That’s how we find people like Master McGowan, who so strongly support our mission that they become evangelists themselves. If you’re reading this, we encourage you to think of friends, families and colleagues that could be in need of our services. The good news is, if you have a heart, you’re qualified to get screened! And there’s no cost too great for peace of mind.

Be sure to check out our upcoming screenings on the events page!

Don’t see one that works for you? Give us a call!
Never had a screening? Give us a call!
Haven't had a screening in the last 2 years? Give us a call!
Want to make a difference? Give us a call!

Can the new Apple Watch save your life?

9/19/2018

Apple just announced its newest addition to the Apple Watch family: the Series 4. While it boasts a lot of new features like, like enhanced work out detection and larger screen, but can you guess what we’re most excited about? The new Apple Watch can take ECG readings and mail them directly to your doctor. Later iterations will even provide notifications for irregular heart rhythms. But is this enough to help in the fight against sudden cardiac arrest?

The ECG was invented in the late 1800s. It’s the machine that displays the squiggly lines, and always flatlines in TV dramas. It is used to detect abnormal heart rhythms and diagnose electrical conditions and heart attacks. It is also a good indicator for certain structural conditions. It is a very useful piece of equipment, but not all ECGs are created equal.

Most ECGs found in a doctor’s office or hospitals have 12 leads and allow you to conduct a reading at multiple points throughout the body. The Apple Watch is a one lead ECG so it monitors the heart rhythm from one spot on the body. This technology shows lots of promise, but it does not collect enough detail to diagnose heart conditions . . . yet.

Why does this matter? Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death of adults in the United States. It is the #1 cause of death of student athletes and takes the lives of thousands of children every year. Eighteen years ago, my son, Anthony, became one of those statistics. The Anthony Bates Foundation was created to raise awareness about heart disease and sudden cardiac arrest in children as well as create a heart screening program accessible to students and families. Let me offer this real-life scenario to illustrate my point.

Sam is thirteen. He complains that his heart races. It is hard to know what this really means because Sam is the only one who feels his symptoms. Does Sam consume too much caffeine? Is he an anxious kid? Does he have a heart condition?

Sam comes to one of our screening days in the fall 2014. After getting an ECG (12 lead), he is diagnosed with Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome - an electrical condition the can often lead to sudden cardia arrest. It is possible that the new Apple Watch would have recorded his racing heart. This would’ve provided his parents and doctor with clues about his complaints. It could have led to further testing, the 12 lead ECG, to diagnose his condition. In other words, the watch could have taken the ambiguity out of Sam’s description.

Following his diagnosis, Sam underwent a medical procedure called an ablation (right after my son’s 14th AngelDay. Coincidence?). Now, Sam is completely healthy and doing well in high school and in the band.

We should celebrate this new advancement for what it is. It brings affordable medical technology into our homes. It empowers consumers with valuable information. It raises awareness about heart health. It will give our children insight into how hard their heart works every day. It will help them understand how their heart behaves in certain situations. There’s no doubt that this will lead to a better quality of life.

In the meantime, get your child’s heart screened. Check Out our heart screening calendar on AZ & KS. And our friends at Simon's Heart have a national list, too! Check Out their list! A heart screening could save a child's life. Like Sam & many others!