Cody Stephens Go Big or Go Home Memorial Foundation
On May 6, 2012, Cody Stephens was a few weeks from graduating from Crosby High School, and looking forward to showing his pig, steer and lamb at the Crosby Fair and Rodeo in June. He was also excited to be headed to Tarleton State University on a football scholarship, and working to stay in good physical condition to be prepared for college football practices.
At 6’9″ and weighing 289 lbs, he seemed to be in perfect health, and had no idea that he had a fatal heart problem. On that Sunday afternoon, Cody came in, kicked back in his dad’s recliner, clicked the TV on, said he was tired and dozed off for a nap. He never woke up but died in his sleep, from Sudden Cardiac Arrest. This was something that we had never heard of and had no idea that young, seemingly healthy children were at risk of, with relatively few or no warning signs.
At 6’9″ and weighing 289 lbs, he seemed to be in perfect health, and had no idea that he had a fatal heart problem. On that Sunday afternoon, Cody came in, kicked back in his dad’s recliner, clicked the TV on, said he was tired and dozed off for a nap. He never woke up but died in his sleep, from Sudden Cardiac Arrest. This was something that we had never heard of and had no idea that young, seemingly healthy children were at risk of, with relatively few or no warning signs.
The purpose of this foundation is to provide assistance to the students of Texas School districts to implement a ECG screening program, to help implement and facilitate improved physicals to middle and high school student athletes, to include education and raise awareness of Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) among young seemingly healthy students. The foundation is endorsing the availability of low cost ECGs as a part of sports pre-participation physicals for all athletes and available to all students if requested. The foundation also supports Crosby High School with academic scholarships for graduates to attend a college or university.
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. If this happens, blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs. SCA usually causes death if it’s not treated within minutes.Warning signs and symptoms of a heart condition:
Fainting or seizure during or after physical activity or resulting from emotional excitement, emotional distress or startle.
Chest pain or discomfort/racing heartbeat.
Unexplained fainting or seizures.
Unusual shortness of breath, fatigue.
Dizziness or lightheadedness during or after physical activity.
Chest pain or discomfort/racing heartbeat.
Unexplained fainting or seizures.
Unusual shortness of breath, fatigue.
Dizziness or lightheadedness during or after physical activity.
Family history of heart disease, unexpected sudden death during physical activity or during a seizure or any other sudden, unexplained death of a healthy family member under age 50. For more information, please visit www.parentheartwatch.org .
How often should my child's heart be checked/screened?
Your child's heart should be checked/screened at least every two (2) years, unless he/she is exhibiting any signs and symptoms (see below). Keep in mind that some heart conditions are congenital (from birth) and others are acquired (i.e., virus, medication). Your screening is only a brief snapshot of the well being of your heart health. Saving Young Hearts advocates that all children and teens be screened a minimum of every two years.
How often should my child's heart be checked/screened?
Your child's heart should be checked/screened at least every two (2) years, unless he/she is exhibiting any signs and symptoms (see below). Keep in mind that some heart conditions are congenital (from birth) and others are acquired (i.e., virus, medication). Your screening is only a brief snapshot of the well being of your heart health. Saving Young Hearts advocates that all children and teens be screened a minimum of every two years.
During the Rotary District 5890 District Conference 2014 (yes, on the cruise ship), Rtn. Scott Stephens of North Shore Rotary Club, shared his story and his ambition to prevent deaths of unsuspecting athletes due to heart defects which could be identified with ECGs. Yesterday, I heard Scott interviewed on the radio show Houston Standard 88.7 on the third anniversary of his son's death. Many schools are onboard with the expanded physicals already. There are at least two bills working in Austin at this time - HB 767 and SB 602. Scott says, "Seems pretty easy to me, as a parent who lost my hero to sudden cardiac arrest. I want our student athletes to have the opportunity to receive a physical enhanced by an ECG screening and I’m willing to Go Big or Go Home to see that it happens! Pass Cody’s Law, Screen ‘em all! Cody doesn’t need any more teammates in heaven. I will no longer accept the things I cannot change; I will change the things I cannot accept."