A year ago, La Porte County High School student Jake West passed away from an undetected heart ailment called Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD). West was a linebacker on the LPHS football team. He was a great student, a great friend, and he found a good place in the hearts of those who knew him.
Losing a child is a fear that many parents face. But what can be done to help families and catch a possible health issue before it becomes too big? West's mother, Julie Schroeder asked this question and then created the answer with the Play for Jake Foundation. This foundation is a nonprofit organization that was created to honor the memory of her son and to raise funds to create awareness and educate parents and kids about the dangers of undetected heart conditions.
Screenings, programs, educational materials, and funds for middle and high schools will be provided by the Play for Jake Foundation to ensure La Porte County kids are offered routine heart screenings. The foundation also has been securing AEDs for locations in the La Porte community. The Civic Auditorium and the La Porte County Family YMCA's Andrew Avenue Complex have both been recipients of AEDs. For those who are unaware, an AED (automated external defibrillator) is a portable electronic device that checks heart rhythms and can send an electric shock to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm. AEDs are used to treat sudden cardiac arrest with simple audio and visual commands. AEDs save thousands of lives each year.
Dan Bigg is the Development Partner for the Play for Jake Foundation. His job is to help the foundation raise money, get more corporate partners, and expand the its outreach.
"I never met Jake and I didn't know the family but I was so compelled to be part of this when I heard Jake's story that I had to help," Bigg said.
Many have taken to the Play for Jake Foundation and believe in its mission. In fact, the La Porte Kiwanis extended their generosity at a recent meeting to make sure that the foundation is able to reach as many children as possible. Many members of the La Porte Kiwanis are parents themselves, and they pledged $10,000 to give the foundation some legs to stand on. This lead gift will serve as the funds for the foundation to secure matching grants. More funds means more screenings and assistance and that means more help for the children.
"I am very pleased and proud of our club and this donation comes from all of the club members, past and present," La Porte Kiwanis Club President Mark Schreiber said. "We know that this money is going to go help save lives."
Schroeder was at the meeting with her husband and spoke from a grateful and full heart.
"I cannot think of a better fit than to have this group partner with my foundation," Schroeder said. "My hope is to help as many children and families as we possibly can. We can touch many lives and save them from the heartache that my family and the community has felt from the loss of my son. I will be forever grateful to each and every one of you."
One Kiwanian and parent, Cindy Berchem, Executive Director for the La Porte County Family YMCA, said that this cause hits close to home for her.
"Jake was a classmate of my daughter since she was in kindergarten and my same daughter was diagnosed with a heart condition when she was in the 4th grade," Berchem said. "This cause is definitely one that I believe in and we need to get behind this and support it in the community. One life saved is a victory for all of us."
To find out more about the Play for Jake Foundation, click here!