Susan Koeppen, 39, survived sudden cardiac arrest last November, thanks to immediate intervention by bystanders with CPR and use of a defibrillator by EMS. She aims to raise awareness by walking in a 5K to benefit the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, a national community benefit organization whose mission is to raise awareness and save lives.
Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB)--KDKA TV News anchor, Susan Koeppen, will be leading this year’s Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation team at the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community. The 5K walk will be held on Saturday May 19, starting at Stage AE on Pittsburgh’s North Shore at 9:00 am.
Susan, herself a survivor of sudden cardiac arrest, will be there to call attention to the need for automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at all locations where people gather, and to stress the importance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)-AED training to prepare for cardiac emergencies in the home, school, workplace and recreation areas. She will be joined by other survivors—and families who have lost someone to sudden unexpected death.
Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in the U.S., affecting people of all ages. While only eight percent of victims (382,500 annually) survive the event, 38 percent of victims could be saved if they were treated in a timely, effective manner.
Susan recently spoke about helping the Foundation prevent avoidable deaths through early intervention with CPR and defibrillators. “I have an avenue to tell my story that most (survivors) don’t,” she said. “I’m very passionate about getting out the word on cardiac arrest and showing people how to save lives.”
The Foundation is asking everyone to help in that effort by joining Susan's Team at this year’s walk. Friends of the Foundation may support the team as walkers or virtual walkers. The individual or group that raises the most for the Foundation will win an AED, donated by Cardiac Science.
All funds raised through the Highmark Walk for the Foundation will be used to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest and the simple things anyone can do to help save a life.
To join or support Susan’s Team, click here or call the Foundation at 877-722-8641. Donations may be made online, at the Walk, or by sending a check to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, 7500 Brooktree Road, Suite 207, Wexford, PA 15090 now through June 30.
About the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation
The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in Pittsburgh, PA. Its mission is "to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest and give 'ordinary people' the power to save a life." Its programs include the National SCA Survivor Network, the You Can Save a Life at School campaign, and the People Saving People awards.