How it all began
by Karen McElliott
On October 17th 1999 my life changed forever.
The most important person in my life, my husband Ron was unexpectedly taken from me and our family through sudden cardiac arrest.
For over a year, I looked for a way to direct my sadness and grief in a more positive direction.
Our family established the Ron McElliott Memorial fund. My personal goal was to raise funds and awareness of AED’s (Automatic External Defibrillator) to the citizens of San Diego, and donate these “gifts of life” to visible organizations throughout San Diego.
I felt I was an advocate of one, but I knew I had an angel on my shoulder, and I had a dream. I knew there had to be others out there that shared in that dream. In May of 2001 I was asked to attend a meeting to discuss Public Access Defibrillation. We set goals and the vision of San Diego Project Heart Beat was created. As we continued our discussions, we felt it would take years to develop and finance such a venture; but with the partnership of the city and county of San Diego, San Diego Medical Services Enterprise
and Cardiac Science Corporation we were off and running.
San Diego Project Heart Beat is a nationally recognized program. Our mission to establish awareness education and early access to AED’s to save lives. The mission IS SAVING LIVES!!!!
Like any dream it is only as successful as those who believe and share in that dream. That is the San Diego Project Heart Beat team who works tirelessly to fulfill the vision and goal of San Diego Project Heart Beat. It is a small, but mighty team.
Please read on and learn more about those who give everyday to the citizens of San Diego as we move this program forward. |
