Gifts made on October 13 should be made at www.pittsburghgives.org
We need your help. In the next 24 hours, more than 800 unsuspecting people from across the United States will collapse suddenly and become the latest victims of sudden cardiac arrest. On average, only 7 percent of them will survive.
We find this unacceptable, especially when some communities have achieved survival rates of 38 percent or more. That's whywe at the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation are working hard every day to raise awareness and save lives. We envision a day when survival from sudden cardiac arrest will be the norm, rather than the exception.
Our mission is "to raise awareness and support programs that give 'ordinary' people the power to save a life." What are we working on? Here are just a few examples. So far, we have…
Developed a top-ranked website, www.sca-aware.org, focused exclusively on SCA, which has users in nearly every country and territory worldwide
Created the first national registry of SCA survivors, www.sca-aware.org/sca-survivor-network, and launched our first virtual state affiliate (Arizona)
Developed an online community where those affected by SCA can share experiences and insights
Created a calendar celebrating the re-birthdays of SCA survivors
Created an award-winning publication, You Can Save a Life at SchoolTM, and a companion website (www.sca-aware.org/schools), that is reaching stakeholders in tens of thousands of schools across the U.S.
Created a video contest for students through which they can win AEDs for their schools
Testified in support of bills that promote improved access to AEDs in schools
Created a social media presence on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube
Secured media placements in thousands of outlets in the U.S., including Newsweek, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Forbes.com, and the Journal of Emergency Medical Services that have reached millions of readers
Distributed targeted e-newsletters highlighting key issues and developments related to SCA
Conducted an annual awards reception, this year called “Won’t You Be My Neighbor, Won’t You Learn How to Save a Life?,” which recognized those who have lost a loved one to SCA, and recognized survivors and their rescuers
Worked in collaboration with other members of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Coalition to have Congress establish October as National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, and to conduct Congressional briefings on SCA
Conducted research exploring the incidence of SCA among African-Americans, a medically underserved population
Worked with the Citizen CPR Foundation and other partners to create a program for SCA survivors, families and advocates during the upcoming Emergency Cardiovascular Care Update
Participated as an invited member of the Joint Commission of Hospitals' SCA Performance Measurement Stakeholder Panel.
With your help we can do even more. Please make a tax-deductible contribution to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation today, Wednesday, October 13, at www.pittsburghgives.org (search Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation). The Pittsburgh Foundation will match your gift from a pool of $500,000 set aside to support approved Pittsburgh-based nonprofit organizations.
Thank you for your support!
Sincerely,
Norman S. Abramson, MD, FACEP, FCCM; Professor Emeritus, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Chairman, Board of Directors, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation
Mary M. Newman, President and Co-Founder, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation
P. S. While you were reading this letter, several more Americans died from sudden cardiac arrest. Your gift can help prevent further loss of life. Remember, the life you save will most likely be a family member, a friend, or a colleague.
Note: The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation is a national nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. The official registration and financial information of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.