Heart Screening extended to general public

Melody Stephens uses the new ECG device on a first time athlete to test for heart defects.

ECG tests for students and adults this Saturday

CROSBY – ECG Screenings are going to be performed at the Crosby Community Center this Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until Noon by the Cody Stephens Go Big Or Go Home Memorial Foundation to the general public from 7th grade and up, not just first year athletes or children.

The Cody Stephens Go Big Or Go Home Memorial Foundation was begun by Scott and Melody Stephens following the death of their son, Cody, May 6, 2012 to Sudden Cardiac Arrest also called sudden death.

When that happened only about 5% of Texas used ECG screenings in addition to the check ups traditionally used and required by the State U.I.L. committee. Now about 25% of school districts in Texas are using the screenings due to foundations throughout the state.

Those wishing to have their heart checked by an ECG screening can register at the website www.codystephens foundation.org. A limited number can be performed in the time allotted so make your registrations soon.

“This website is created to share Cody’s story with others and do anything and everything we can to raise awareness of this silent killer and help prevent other families from experiencing the loss and heartache that we know.”

This is a free heart screening, however donations will be accepted the day of the event. Because funding can detect life threatening conditions.

As an example of the impact that the screening can have on seemingly healthy people, the University of Pittsburgh now screens their first time athletes with an ECG. This year their freshman class of athletes had two students discovered to need heart surgery.

This screening however is only the beginning of the outreach done by this foundation and its impact on the State and the nation is difficult to determine. 60 Minutes Sports recently did a televised report on Scott and Melody’s efforts. Many leave the program asking “Well, why doesn’t every school screen first time athletes with ECGs?”

In the last legislative session the House of Representatives Committee unanimously approved a measure to make screenings an addendum to the physicals now done. The Senate Committee however saw the measure stall. Now, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, R., has expressed interest in the legislation.

BENEFIT DINNER TO BE HELD SATURDAY AUGUST 27

Saturday, August 27, at 7:00 p.m. until about Midnight at the David H. McNerney American Legion Hall 658 in Crosby the annual fund-raiser is to be held. Tickets are available and tables are still for sale. Tickets are probably going to be available at the door this year. Live Auction items are still being collected. Details for buying tickets are available on the facebook site Cody Stephens Go Big or Go Home Foundation or the website or call Stephens at (713) 451-3600.

Previously, this event has been among the best charity events of the year. Leaders from throughout the country and northeast Harris County will be in attendance including the legislature and Harris County. Live auction items include a week stay at a condo in Puerto Vellarta. An axis hunt, sport memorabilia, concerts including Dolly Parton and many more are offered.

Speakers from throughout the country will share their stories and a young man from Deer Park whose heart surgery begins days before the event will share how his mother’s insistence on an ECG due to Cody’s story may have saved his life.

Catfish on Wheels is catering the event. D.J. Dennis Butterworth will be playing the music. Bill Busby will be the auctioneer.

In the Deer Park case the doctor did not want to do an ECG even after he had heard a problem but the youth’s mother insisted. The results lead his to surgery. His best friend since the third grade had the surgery just days before he was to have the ECG. But the doctor was upset that the mother insisted.