AED for Avalon

Twenty years ago, February 24, 1992, my three month old son saved my life. I was at my clinic for a well baby check and went into cardiac arrest in the stairwell. My baby's crying attracted attention, the clinic had a defibrillator and I survived.

Statistically, only about 5% of those who have a cardiac arrest outside of the hospital survive. More than 300,000 people a year die of cardiac arrest in the US. Survival depends on a number of things but access to a shock from an AED is a critical component. I survived because I was very lucky and because there was a defibrillator on site.

Avalon Charter School is a small school in St. Paul and does not have an AED. Avalon used to be located next to a YMCA and at least an AED was close. Now the school has a new location and no AED.

Having an AED nearby is critical to survival. When a person goes into cardiac arrest, survival rates drop 10% with each passing minute until they receive that life-saving shock. Sudden cardiac arrest (not a heart attack) kills people of all ages. AED's in schools have saved young people, teachers, parents, visitors and athletic referees. Quick defibrillation also minimizes the risk of brain damage from loss of oxygen.

I was one of the lucky 5%. For each person who survives, 19 others do not. By placing defrillaotrs everywhere, we can change these odds. I have had the chance to live my life, to raise my son and make a difference. Please, help save a life by contributing toward an AED for Avalon.