After the tragic deaths of two Texas high‑school football players – Stevens High School’s Jaren Lawson in February and a Lake Travis athlete earlier this month – the August Heart Foundation is reminding San Antonio families that silent heart conditions can affect any teen, not just athletes.
Why the screenings matter
Founder Dore Koontz started the nonprofit in memory of her son August, who died suddenly at age 18 in 2008 from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a disease that thickens the heart muscle and can cause sudden cardiac arrest without warning. “He was super active, played sports, worked out between sports – the scariest part is there were no symptoms,” Koontz said.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and other rhythm disorders, such as Wolff‑Parkinson‑White syndrome, often present no signs until a catastrophic event occurs. Early detection through an electrocardiogram (ECG) can identify these conditions, allowing treatment that lets children continue active lives.
Free screenings in the community
For 15 years the August Heart Foundation has provided free ECGs to local teens. To date the organization has performed more than 104,000 screenings and identified nearly 450 children with potentially life‑threatening heart issues. Volunteers – doctors, nurses and medical students – donate their time, making every test cost‑free for families.
The most recent screening took place during a back‑to‑school event at the Frost Bank Center. One child was diagnosed with a heart‑rhythm condition that, if left untreated, could have led to sudden cardiac arrest. “Just finding that one child was worth all of it,” Koontz said.
Parents of non‑athletes are urged to act
While student‑athletes often receive physicals and sports‑specific exams, Koontz stresses that non‑athletes can be overlooked. “We want everybody tested because it’s not just athletes that get this screening. It’s girls, boys, and the school districts don’t require the non‑athletic students to get it,” she explained.
Screenings take less than five minutes, are painless, and are completely free. If an abnormal result is found, the foundation helps coordinate follow‑up care and treatment options.
How to get involved
Any school district, youth organization or community group interested in hosting a screening can contact the August Heart Foundation at 210‑267‑2771 or via email at [email protected]. The nonprofit’s major fundraising event is scheduled for October, and donations can be made through its website.
Koontz believes early detection saves lives and gives families peace of mind. “It does save lives,” she affirmed, urging parents to take advantage of the free service before tragedy strikes.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
