Mission: To help prevent sudden cardiac death in young people.
- Public events such as health screenings, fairs, school classes, PTO meetings, community clubs, civic groups, etc.
- Those working with youth such as school and pediatric nurses, teachers, athletic trainers, coaches, etc.
- Policy makers at local, regional and state levels, at school board meetings, and in testimony before a state legislative committee
- Promotes and seeks opportunities to hold Heart Screening events for youth
- Helps organize and facilitate Heart Screening events for youth that include an electrocardiogram read by a cardiologist
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"It is appalling that in this day and age of medical technology, thousands of seemingly healthy children can just die suddenly and unexpectedly every year from a heart problem that could most likely be detected with a simple, inexpensive, painless, non-invasive test, the electrocardiogram. American children are screened for visual problems, hearing problems, and dental problems, but a careful screening of a child's most vital organ, the heart, is seldom done. No one can tell if a heart is healthy just by listening with a stethoscope!"
Because of the hard work and dedication of so many parents across the country who have been tragically affected by the sudden cardiac arrest of a child, many organizations have been created in memory of these children. Affected parents everywhere are working to educate, create awareness, institute heart-safe school and community programs, and change laws that will help prevent other families from having to suffer the same tragic losses. A national organization that has helped to unite parents in these efforts is Parent Heart Watch. Parent Heart Watch is the national voice protecting youth from Sudden Cardiac Arrest and preventable Sudden Cardiac Death. Parent Heart Watch leads and empowers others by sharing information, educating and advocating for change. (www.parentheartwatch.org)
Because of the diligent efforts of so many parents, there are many success stories across the country of young lives having been saved due to:
- The donation and/or placement of easily accessible automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in schools and at sporting events for youth
- CPR and AED training programs that have been instituted and/or taught by affected parents
- Some state laws have been changed to mandate that AEDs are placed in schools and that there are staff members present who are trained in CPR/AED use
- Heart screening events that are promoted, organized, and facilitated for youth to help detect a heart problem before a tragedy occurs
We, at Take It To Heart, are very proud to be part of such a dedicated, inspiring, and positive force of parents who are helping to make this world a better place for young people in memory of so many cherished children who are now "a breath away."
Rhonda L. Foster, R.N.
Founder and Project Director
Take It To Heart™ is an all-volunteer organization facilitated by the parents of children who have died from sudden cardiac arrest. In the fall of 2006, Take It To Heart™ became a Project of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that serves South Central Pennsylvania.
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."
~ Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi |  |
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