At this year’s ESPY awards, Nate Breske, the head athletic trainer for the Buffalo Bills, delivered a powerful message advocating for increased funding for AED and CPR training, especially in underserved communities. Recognizing the pivotal role of athletic trainers in youth sports, Breske passionately underscored the importance of equipping individuals with life-saving skills. “Doing something is better than doing nothing,” he emphasized, urging everyone to take action and be prepared for emergencies.
Uniting for a Life-Saving Mission
As if in response to Breske’s impassioned plea, luxury soccer-inspired athleisure brand ABLE MADE and the Ucal McKenzie Breakaway Foundation (UMBF) have come together with Boston Parks and Recreation and In A Heartbeat Foundation to launch an extraordinary initiative. This ambitious collaboration aims to distribute Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) across public fields in Boston, significantly enhancing the city’s capacity to respond rapidly to sudden cardiac arrest incidents.
Inaugural Launch at Moakley Park Field
The much-anticipated inaugural launch of this life-saving program will be held at Moakley Park Field on Wednesday, July 26th, at 6 pm. This milestone event marks the installation of the first AED at a public field through this groundbreaking endeavor. The occasion promises to be a testament to the power of teamwork and community-driven initiatives in creating a safer environment for all.
A Personal Mission: Suzanne McKenzie’s Heartfelt Commitment
Suzanne McKenzie, Founder & CEO of ABLE MADE and Board Chair of Ucal McKenzie Breakaway Foundation, brings a deeply personal connection to this cause. “AED accessibility in our communities is a cause that is deeply personal and close to my heart,” she shares. Reflecting on her late husband’s sudden cardiac arrest emergency, McKenzie emphasizes the potential difference an AED could have made in his outcome. Her determination to ensure positive outcomes for others in similar situations fuels her dedication to this life-saving initiative.
The Impact of AEDs: Saving Lives in Critical Moments
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) play a critical role in saving lives during emergencies. These advanced yet user-friendly medical devices can analyze the heart’s rhythm and deliver an electrical shock, known as defibrillation, if necessary, to restore a steady heartbeat. The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation highlights that immediate CPR combined with prompt AED usage can increase survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest to as high as 90%. Every second counts, as the likelihood of survival decreases by 10% with each passing minute without AED intervention.
A Tribute to Ucal McKenzie’s Legacy
The roots of this remarkable project lie in the memory of the late Ucal McKenzie, a passionate soccer enthusiast whose dedication to mentorship touched the lives of many. Tragically, Ucal’s untimely passing due to sudden cardiac arrest while playing a soccer game at Moakley Field served as a powerful catalyst for this essential initiative. Through this collaboration, Ucal’s legacy lives on as AEDs become guardians of safety on fields he loved.
Mike Papale’s Vision for a Safer Boston
Founder of In A Heartbeat Foundation, Mike Papale, shares his perspective on the collaboration, stating, “In A Heartbeat is proud to partner with Able Made and the Ucal McKenzie Breakaway Foundation on this critical project to place AEDs in Boston Fields. When sudden cardiac arrest strikes, it is crucial for an AED to be deployed quickly to ensure the highest chances of survival. The more AEDs we have accessible in the community, the more lives we will save.”
Embracing a Safer Future Together
As the AED distribution initiative gains momentum, the spirit of collaboration and unity grows stronger. The vision is to gradually expand the program to encompass other public fields throughout Boston, making AEDs a standard feature of the city’s recreational spaces. Community-driven training sessions on CPR and AED usage are planned, empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to be potential lifesavers.
Join the Movement
The inaugural launch at Moakley Park Field symbolizes the beginning of a transformative journey towards a safer Boston. The collaborative efforts of ABLE MADE, Ucal McKenzie Breakaway Foundation, Boston Parks and Recreation, and In A Heartbeat Foundation have ignited hope in the hearts of the community. Together, they stand committed to protecting lives—one heartbeat at a time.
For more information about the event, including how you can get involved, please visit this link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aed-distribution-to-boston-public-fields-tickets-676712404017. Let’s unite and make Boston safer for all.
