Did you know that every 34 seconds, someone dies from cardiovascular disease?
Cardiovascular Disease, also known as Heart Disease, remains as the No. 1 cause of death in the United States.
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Bryn's Community Service Initiative, The Heart of the Matter, strives to educate others on the signs and symptoms of heart disease, the life-saving skills of cardiopulmonary resusetation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrilators (AED). In addition to this, Bryn also emphasizes the importance of living a heart-healthy lifestyle!
Bryn's Inspiration
At the age of 56, Bryn's dad, suffered a heart attack. If it weren't for his quick thinking and seeking medical help immediately, he would not have survived.
​Bryn's dad has always been physically active whether it be working in the coal mine or working on their 100-year-old family farm in Southweastern Pennsylvania. On April 12th, 2016, he woke up with a feeling of tightness in his shoulder. He brushed it off and continued his morning routine. He drove to work, took the elevator 700 feet down into the coal mine, and was about to hop on the tram when he experienced a hot flash. He decided to ride back up the elevator and out of the mine to find the safety team. The medic took his blood pressure which was 190/110! He was then rushed to the hospital. It was there we learned that my dad had two blockages, one of which was in the LAD artery. If this major artery is blocked, the heart can stop quickly - which is why this type of heart attack is called a "widowmaker". Doctos told Bryn and her family that if her dad had gone all the way into the mine, he would not have walked out alive.
Bryn and her dad, Randy
The thought of losing her dad was something that Bryn could hardly imagine. Thankfully she didn't have to live it in real time. Instead of continuing to dwell on this terrifying incident, Bryn decided to create her Community Service Initiative, The Heart of the Matter, to help save lives from heart disease and hopefully one day see that heart disease is no longer the leading cause of death for Americans.
Educate
"Saving One Heart at a Time" Educational Program
Know the signs and symptoms of heart attacks.
1. Chest pain or discomfort
2. Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck or back
3. Pain or discomfort in the arms or shoulders
4. Shortness of breath
5. Feeling vert tired, lightheaded or faint
6. Nausea or vomiting
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*Note: Symptoms may differ between men and women!*
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Learn the life-saving skills of CPR and AEDs!
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"If performed immediately, CPR can double or triple the chance of survival from an out of hospital cardiac arrest." (heart.org)
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The Good Samaritin Law
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"Protects people who assist those who are injured, ill, or in danger. You will have legal protection if you act voluntarily and without the expectation of reimbursement or compensation while performing such aid on-site. This includes performing Hands-Only CPR on a woman’s chest.
When performing CPR, every second counts, so don’t hesitate to call 911 and perform CPR immediately."
(heart.org)
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Live a heart-healthy lifestyle!
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Physical and mental health go hand-in-hand!​
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Here are some tips on how you can start living a heart-healthy life!
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Get at least 60 minutes of exercise daily!
Eat a healthy diet, preferably a low-sodium diet!
Make sure you get 6-8 hours of sleep every night!
Take time to do some of your favorite activities to reduce stress!
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Learn more at heart.org
Advocate
Instrumental in the passing of Senate Bill 115 in June 2019. Senate Bill 115 made CPR education a graduation requirement for all high school students in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania!
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Bryn is currently working with state legislators to introduce legislation that will provide better access to Automated External Defribrillators (AEDs) to school districts, especially at all interscholastic athletic events.​
Fundraise
To date, Bryn has also raised over $22,000 for the American Heart Association through various fundraisers!
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She has also raised thousands of dollars for additional charitable organizations including:
​Children's Miracle Network Hospitals
Greene County Humane Society
Greene County Food Bank