ABLE MADE and the Ucal McKenzie Breakaway Foundation have forged a momentous alliance, marking the culmination of extensive planning and collaboration, to bring forth an audacious initiative – the widespread distribution of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) across Boston’s public fields.
This groundbreaking effort aims to equip these fields with AEDs, bolstering the city’s capacity to swiftly respond to sudden cardiac arrest incidents. The official launch of this life-saving program will unfold at Moakley Park Field on Wednesday, July 26th at 6 pm, an event that symbolizes a significant stride towards securing safer public spaces. The public is cordially invited to partake in this momentous occasion, with free admission, though organizers kindly request an RSVP.
At the heart of this initiative lies Suzanne McKenzie, Founder & CEO of Able Made and Board Chair of Ucal McKenzie Breakaway Foundation, whose personal connection to this cause propels her vision forward. The project finds its roots in the memory of the late Ucal McKenzie, a cherished individual who left a lasting impact as a soccer enthusiast, son, husband, brother, friend, coach, and mentor to countless young minds. Ucal’s untimely demise from sudden cardiac arrest while engaging in a soccer game at Moakley Field forms the poignant catalyst for this vital endeavor. Reflecting on her late husband’s experience, Suzanne states, “He did not have access to an AED, and his outcome could have been different if he had. I want to help ensure there are more positive outcomes for others in the future.”
The life-saving potential of AEDs cannot be understated. These sophisticated yet user-friendly medical devices have the ability to analyze the heart’s rhythm and deliver an electrical shock, known as defibrillation, when required to restore a steady heartbeat. According to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, the combination of immediate CPR and prompt AED usage can elevate survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest to as high as 90%. Every passing minute without AED intervention, however, diminishes the likelihood of survival by 10%.
Having witnessed firsthand the life-saving capabilities of AEDs, Mike Papale, Founder of In A Heartbeat Foundation, lends his perspective on the partnership, asserting, “In A Heartbeat is proud to partner with Able Made and the Ucal McKenzie Breakaway Foundation on this incredibly important 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.”
The event, set to take place at Moakley Park Field, is not just a momentous milestone for the collaborating organizations but also a beacon of hope for Boston’s communities. As AEDs become a standard feature of the city’s public fields, the collective aspiration for a safer Boston moves ever closer to fruition.
For additional event information and RSVP, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aed-distribution-to-boston-public-fields-tickets-676712404017
