Give from the Heart to Save a Heart!

In 2014, my Dearheart Joe Sheya was the victim of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).

When someone is in SCA each minute that passes without defibrillation from an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) decreases the chance of survival by 10%. The average EMS response time is over 8 minutes. Joe received his first shock at 11 minutes. He did not survive.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest strikes approximately 1,000 people daily in the United States. AEDs are simple to use public access devices that deliver the needed defibrillation/shock. With an available AED the chances of survival can be as high as 80%.

I have made it my mission to spread the word about AED's, and to get them into businesses that could benefit from having them.

Thank you to those who have already contributed and made the purchase of two AED's possible. My mission Access, Educate, Defibrillate (AED) goes on. There are still so many places that need public access to this lifesaver!

On January 4th I was honored to present an AED to Eric and Cheri Collyer at EnRoute, their new personal training studio in Annapolis.

On January 5th I was honored to present an AED to Robert Van Valkenburgh in his recently opened martial arts studio, Kogen Dojo Annapolis

Eric, Cheri and Robert were students of Joe's who became our friends, became our family.

Presentation of AED to Eric and Cheri at ENROUTE Annapolis

Eric and Cheri

Eric and Joe

Robert Van Valkenburgh, along with his brother Matthew Van Valkenburgh and their friend Dwayne Bowie, have been operating Kogen Dojo Jiu-Jitsu & Muay Thai in Severna Park, MD for over 5 years, where they teach self defense for the whole family and currently have an AED on site. Robert, Matthew, and Dwayne have recently opened a second academy in Annapolis, MD, at 1912 Forest Drive.

Joe, Robert and Doug

Presentation of AED to Robert at Kogen Dojo Annapolis

Matthew, Dwayne, and Robert

More than 400,000 people died from Out of Hospital Sudden Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) in the year Joe suffered his. Had an AED been available where Joe collapsed, he may have survived.

Joe was a joyful man who was not ready for his life to end. He was a high school teacher, a Grandmaster of Hapkido, a Reiki Master, an officiant who united many couples in marriage including our two daughters. He was a boater, SCUBA diving instructor, competitive shooter and a student pilot, he was a lot of fun. He was the most loving, caring person I have known. He was a father, a husband and friend whose magnificent spirit continues to improve the world even after his untimely death. We miss him sharply.

Our family.

Please, GIVE FROM THE HEART TO SAVE A HEART! Thank you!