Athletic Director Chris Fulton and Assistant Amy Stavola stand alongside Carlos Jay Rivera, father of the late Elijah Jay Mariano Rivera, honoring his legacy at the inaugural “EKG’s for Eli” event.Windsor, CT – November 20, 2024 – Yesterday, Windsor High School proudly hosted the inaugural “EKG’s for Eli” event in partnership with the In a Heartbeat Foundation. The initiative, named in memory of Elijah, a beloved community member and student-athlete, provided free heart screenings to local youth aged 8-18. The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of heart health and identify potential risks that could otherwise go undiagnosed.
A student-athlete receives a free EKG at the “EKG’s for Eli” event.
The screenings, conducted by the In a Heartbeat Foundation, included electrocardiograms (EKGs) to detect irregular heart rhythms and other abnormalities that may indicate a risk for conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) or sudden cardiac arrest. Many local students and families participated in the free screenings, reflecting the community’s dedication to safeguarding the health of its young athletes.
Families show their support at the “EKG’s for Eli” event.
“This initiative is about more than just sports—it’s about protecting lives,” said Christopher Fulton, Athletic Director of Windsor Public Schools. “By partnering with Elijah’s family and In a Heartbeat Foundation, we are taking meaningful steps to prevent tragedies and provide peace of mind to families.”
In a Heartbeat volunteers lend their support at the “EKG’s for Eli” event.
The In a Heartbeat Foundation, based in Wallingford, CT, is committed to preventing deaths from HCM and sudden cardiac arrest. The organization generously donates automated external defibrillators (AEDs), provides CPR and AED training, and offers free EKG screenings for children, teens, and young adults.
“Every EKG screening could be life-saving,” said a spokesperson from In a Heartbeat. “We are grateful to Windsor Public Schools and Elijah’s family for helping us continue our mission to protect young hearts.”
A young student athlete receives her free screening at the event.
The event served as a testament to the Windsor community’s dedication to creating a safer environment for its youth, particularly student-athletes. The initiative not only honored Elijah’s memory but also underscored the importance of heart health education and early detection.
A nurse reviews an instant heart scan at the “EKG’s for Eli” event.
Contact:
Gianna Gill
Communications and Community Engagement
Windsor Public Schools
Email: ggill@windsorct.org
Phone: 860.709.3858