HEART SCREENING FOR A GOOD CAUSE

By TONI-ANN HOM 

Every day, people are diagnosed with serious heart conditions that can change their lives in an instant. Kyle Honan, a graduate of Washingtonville High School, was just 24 years old when he passed away in his mother's arms because of a terrible disease known as cardiomyopathy.  Kyle brightened everyone's day with his smile and indescribable acts of kindness.  Kyle’s mother, Liz Honan, has dedicated a tremendous amount of time and effort to help prevent this type of tragedy from happening again.  

TONI-ANN HOM FOR WIZARD WEEKLY

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle. It makes it harder for the heart to fill with blood and decreases the ability for the heart to pump blood throughout the body. This condition can cause abnormal heart rhythms.  It has been said that it is unusual for this disease to affect those who are athletic, but Kyle Honan was, indeed, athletic.  Like many people, the Honan family lives in an allergy and asthma valley.  Mrs. Honan informed, “By living in this type of environment and by using certain medications, this caused my son’s cardiomyopathy. He may have already had the gene but it was unknown to our family.”

Liz Honan and her family intend to help save lives by offering a way to detect any early cardiac conditions. The Kyle Honan Heart to Heart Foundation was created by Mrs. Honan to raise awareness of the condition known as cardiomyopathy.  This organization aims to spread the story of her son and his condition. More importantly, it encourages others to get their hearts screened for early detection so as to prevent future tragedies.

The Kyle Honan Heart to Heart Foundation is partnering with The Free Youth Heart Screening to give young people the opportunity to get their hearts screened.  On April 8th, a fundraiser in the Washingtonville High School gym will take place to raise money and awareness. At the event, free heart screenings will be offered to people 12-25 years old.  It will start at 9:00 am and will finish at 3:00 pm. Pre-registering online is recommended before attending. Financial assistance will be  provided for those families struggling with asthma, autism, and cardiac related medical bills. Moreover, scholarships will be offered for students of Washingtonville High School. If under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the permission form before any screening can take place.

The entire heart screening process includes different variations of tests. These tests can detect risk factors and conditions associated with sudden cardiac arrest.  It’s safe, quick, and easy!  The process includes a blood pressure reading and an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG).  The results will be reviewed by a certified cardiologist and will enable people to get the help they need in case of an early detection. The heart screenings are free, but donations are very much appreciated to help with the screening costs and to fund for future screenings.

Kyle Honan lived his short life always doing for others and his foundation was created to continue his legacy and honor the young man he was.  Come support a great cause.