Damar Hamlin and Bronny James are lucky. They were in the right place at the right time when they suffered their sudden cardiac events.
Many are not so lucky, like our family friend Michael Brindley. Michael attended Hinsdale Central. He was known for his big heart and big hugs. Michael loved all sports. He dreamt of becoming a sports journalist.
Sadly, Michael's dream was never realized because he passed away in 2016 from sudden cardiac arrest at age 16. October is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness month. SCA is the No. 1 cause of death of student athletes and a leading cause of death on campuses. October is also Michael's birthday month. He would have turned 24 on Oct. 7.
Michael's parents founded the just1mike foundation to honor Michael and prevent another family from losing a child to SCA. As president of the just1mike junior board, myself, and fellow members Connor and Spencer Mangone, Bridget Schwarz, Carl Styka, Maddie Starr and Jillian Cowhey will walk on Oct. 7 to honor Michael while raising awareness and money. We are asking for $24 donations so we may continue to fund free in-school EKG screenings at Central, South and other high schools. The money raised will also be used to purchase portable AEDs and permanent AED SaveStations (like the one the just1mike foundation donated to the Village of Hinsdale located at Burns Field).
Please consider donating and/or purchasing just1mike merchandise. By raising awareness and money, we will increase everyone's chances of survival, regardless of luck. Thank you for your consideration. - Jackson Mangone, just1mike Junior Board president
