IMPACT
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Ellie Breech was a student-athlete at the University of Pittsburgh, Damar Hamlin’s alma mater, who received CPR training at the University. On Christmas Day of 2023, Ellie’s father Ed, suffered cardiac arrest at home. Ellie was able to perform CPR until emergency services arrived, and her quick actions helped save his life. In February of 2024, Damar was honored to join the American Heart Association in recognizing Ellie, by presenting her with the Heart Hero Award.

When many were gearing up for Halloween, Michael Kerr, a longtime CPR instructor from Hubbard, was in Washington, D.C., urging Congress to fully fund the HEARTS Act. The bill would help ensure schools nationwide have functioning Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and trained staff to respond to cardiac emergencies.

After their son Matthew Mangine Jr. suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during a high school soccer practice in 2020, his parents Kim and Matt Mangine transformed their loss into purpose by founding the Matthew Mangine Jr. One Shot Foundation. The foundation partners with schools and communities to increase access to AEDs, provide hands-only CPR education, and strengthen emergency preparedness to help prevent similar tragedies. Their mission echoes the powerful lesson seen in Damar Hamlin’s story. Training and lifesaving resources can make all the difference.