A Message from Tim's Mom

"What you don't know can hurt you."​

​

Research shows 1 in 300 youth has an undetected heart condition that puts them at risk for Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). SCA occurs without warning. When the heart's electrical system stops working, blood is no longer pumped throughout the body. SCA is not a heart attack. A heart attack is a plumbing issue as a result of blockage (due to a blood clot) of a coronary artery that causes death of the heart muscle supplied by that artery, unless the blood clot is opened up. Sudden cardiac death is an electrical issue that results from an abnormality in the heart's electrical system. Blood stops flowing to the brain, the heart and the rest of the body.

 

In SCA cases, a person collapses and is considered clinically dead unless a defibrillator is used immediately to shock the heart back to beating. Often these deaths in young people are triggered by sporting activities, which put pressure on the heart. One study found, just 1 in 10 U.S. student-athletes who suffer sudden cardiac arrest survives. However, there is a trend toward improved survival. A heart screening could detect heart abnormalities before they prove to be fatal to an unsuspecting young victim. Research shows that preventative measures, like a heart screening could potentially save a young athlete's life.

 

The Timothy Q. Scott Foundation was established on March 17, 2012 in memory of my 16-year-old son, Timothy, a high school athlete who died suddenly and unexpectedly from Sudden Cardiac Arrest/Death (SCA/D) in 2011. The mission of the foundation is visualized through its Real Football Players Don’t Sleep™ grassroots advocacy program which supports the development of local and national screenings to detect early signs of heart disease in young athletes. The foundation will provide free heart screenings to young athletes, primarily in the Greater Maryland area.

 

While our overall mission is to stop premature death in young people, the foundation actively conducts research into the health and wellness aspects of why young athletes succumb to premature death. According to the research of world-renowned veterinarian and naturopathic physician, Dr. Joel Wallach, studies show kids who play sports are at-risk of depleting selenium, a necessary nutrient needed for the heart's health.

 

Through our continued efforts, the foundation's activities will include staying up-to-date on research, awareness events, heart screenings, collaborations and partnerships with other medical professionals and agencies, as well as promote legislation geared toward keeping our young athletes safe.

 

Our hope is that by sharing Timothy’s story and through the information we provide about SCA/D, you will be inspired to join in our efforts to increase awareness and ultimately, save lives. It's what Timothy would have wanted.

​