Restarting the Heart: A Survivor’s Guide to Thriving
From survival to advocacy, we empower you to turn challenges into purpose.
Welcome to Restarting the Heart, where resilience meets purpose. Founded by Coach Lawrence "Superstar" Terry, a world-renowned track and field coach and survivor of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), our mission is to inspire and equip individuals to thrive beyond life’s most difficult moments. Whether you’re navigating recovery, care-giving, or advocacy, our resources and community are here to support you every step of the way.
World-Renowned Track & Field Coach | Motivational Speaker
Lawrence Terry is a South Carolina-based track and field coach with over 21 years of experience mentoring athletes and a survivor of sudden cardiac arrest. As a motivational speaker, he shares lessons of resilience, faith, and perseverance, inspiring audiences to overcome life’s toughest challenges.
Keynote Topics:
1. From Surviving to Thriving: Resilience and life after cardiac arrest.
2. Building Resilience: Tools for navigating adversity.
3. Faith, Purpose, and Perseverance: Spiritual strength through challenges.
4. Winning On and Off the Track: Leadership and mental toughness for athletes.
Heart Health in Athletics: Safeguarding Athletes
Athletes, often seen as the epitome of physical strength and endurance, are not invulnerable. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) remains the leading cause of death in youth sports, with an incidence rate of 1 in 50,000 athletes annually. While physical activity is generally beneficial for heart health, the intense exertion of sports can unmask undiagnosed cardiac conditions, often with fatal consequences.
Despite these alarming statistics, many schools and athletic programs are unprepared for such emergencies. The HEARTS Act of 2024 aims to bridge this gap by mandating critical safety measures to protect athletes, coaches, and spectators alike.
The HEARTS Act: A Game-Changer for Athlete Safety
In 2024, a monumental step was taken to prioritize cardiac safety in schools and athletic programs across the United States. The Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, Research, and Training in Schools Act—or the HEARTS Act—was signed into law to ensure that students, staff, and visitors in educational settings are better prepared to respond to cardiac emergencies. For coaches, parents, and athletic programs, this legislation is a powerful tool to enhance heart health awareness and emergency readiness.
What Is the HEARTS Act?
The HEARTS Act was designed to address the alarming risks of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), particularly in youth sports and school settings. SCA is the leading cause of death among student-athletes, with conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias often going undiagnosed. The Act builds on decades of advocacy by requiring schools and programs to implement specific measures to protect young lives.
Key Provisions of the HEARTS Act
1. Education and Awareness:
The Act mandates the development of educational materials about high-risk cardiac conditions. These resources are distributed to school staff, coaches, parents, and healthcare professionals to promote early recognition and prevention.
2. AED Accessibility:
The HEARTS Act requires schools to ensure that Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are available and accessible within critical areas, such as gyms, sports fields, and auditoriums. AEDs are life-saving devices that can restore normal heart rhythms during cardiac arrest.
3. CPR and AED Training:
The law supports mandatory training for students and staff in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and AED use. This empowers individuals to act quickly and confidently during emergencies.
4. Emergency Action Plans (EAPs):
Schools are required to develop and implement comprehensive cardiac emergency response plans, ensuring coordination and preparedness in case of an incident.
Why the HEARTS Act Matters
The HEARTS Act represents a shift in how we approach safety in sports and schools. By providing the tools and training needed to respond to cardiac emergencies, the law ensures that more lives can be saved. Research shows that survival rates for SCA increase dramatically when CPR is administered, and an AED is used within the first few minutes.
For example, in schools equipped with AEDs, children experiencing cardiac arrest are seven times more likely to survive compared to those in schools without them. This underscores the importance of compliance with the HEARTS Act’s provisions.
How Coaches Can Leverage the HEARTS Act
Coaches are uniquely positioned to advocate for and implement the HEARTS Act’s measures. Here are actionable steps you can take:
• Ensure Compliance: Verify that your school or program has accessible AEDs and a current cardiac Emergency Action Plan.
• Lead by Example: Get certified in CPR and AED use and encourage your staff and athletes to do the same.
• Educate Your Team: Share the educational resources provided under the Act with athletes and parents to raise awareness about heart health risks.
• Advocate for Funding: Work with administrators to apply for grants or fundraising opportunities to purchase AEDs and cover training costs.
A Call to Action
The HEARTS Act was inspired by stories like that of NFL player Damar Hamlin, whose cardiac arrest during a game in early 2023 highlighted the critical need for quick action and access to AEDs. His recovery—and the efforts of those who saved him—demonstrated the life-saving impact of preparedness. As a coach and advocate for heart health, you have the opportunity to carry this mission forward.
Together, we can ensure that every athletic program is equipped to protect its athletes, staff, and spectators. The HEARTS Act is not just legislation—it’s a roadmap for building a safer future for sports and education.
The Hidden Risk: Understanding SCA in Athletes
What Causes Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions, leading to an irregular heartbeat that disrupts blood flow to the brain and vital organs. Common causes in athletes include:
1. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): A genetic condition causing thickened heart walls, often undiagnosed.
• Affects 1 in 500 people and accounts for the majority of SCA deaths in young athletes.
2. Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythms that can be triggered by physical exertion.
3. Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart, often caused by viral infections.
• Responsible for 10–20% of SCA cases in athletes.
Warning Signs to Watch For
While many cardiac conditions are asymptomatic, some athletes may experience:
• Fainting or dizziness during or after exercise.
• Chest pain or discomfort.
• Unexplained fatigue or shortness of breath.
• Palpitations or a racing heartbeat.
Encouraging athletes to report these symptoms and seeking regular pre-participation screenings can save lives.
The HEARTS Act: A Lifesaving Initiative
The Impact of the HEARTS Act
Since its passage, the HEARTS Act has equipped schools across the nation with the tools to respond to cardiac emergencies effectively. Statistics show:
• Survival rates increase by 70% when CPR and AEDs are used within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest.
• Schools with trained staff and accessible AEDs have 3x higher survival rates than those without.
Stay Informed. Stay Inspired.
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