The following letter was published in The New York Times, Tuesday, July 1, 2008.

To the Editor:

Re: From a Prominent Death, Some Painful Truths,” (June 24) 

The day that Tim Russert died, about 500 others suffered sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and most victims died. The 30 or so who survived know they are alive and well today because Good Samaritans at the scene called 911, gave cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and used an automated external defibrillator (AED)—within minutes of their collapse.

Tim’s death may not have been preventable, given his extensive underlying coronary artery disease. But for hundreds of thousands of people who suffer SCA each year in the U.S., death does not have to be a permanent condition. The victim can be brought back to life if someone at the scene takes action. Perhaps the best way to honor Tim’s legacy is to learn CPR and how to use an AED.

July 3, 2008­–Honesdale, PA–David Belkin died last February during a pick-up basketball game, but because of quick action by Roman Matlaga, he is alive to tell about it. 

On Sunday July 6 at 11 A.M., Belkin will be reunited with his hero.  He’ll present Matlaga with the Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Foundation’s People Saving People Award at the home of game organizer, Henry Skier, at 13 Hillcrest Rd. (behind Wayne Memorial Hospital) in Honesdale.

Also invited to the event are State Representative Mario Scavello (R-Monroe County), Representative Michael Peifer (R-Wayne County), State Senator Lisa Baker (R-District 20), and Wayne Highlands School District Superintendent Tom Jenkins.

In February 2007, Belkin, 65, of Bethesda, MD, was a guest at the basketball game’s cold-weather venue, Lakeside Elementary School. Matlaga, one of the regulars, was there when David drained a fade away jumper, then collapsed.