The leading cause of death in young athletes participating in sports is sudden heart failure. Sadly, one high school-aged athlete suffers sudden cardiac arrest every three days in the United States.

Under legislation proposed this week by Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, D-Bothell, the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA), working with the University of Washington Center for Sports Cardiology and a non-profit organization dedicated to educating communities about cardiac arrest in youth athletes, will develop an online pamphlet for students, families and coaches about sudden cardiac arrest.

McAuliffe serves the 1st District, which includes Bothell and the north end of Kirkland.

WSSDA will also be required to develop a program to help coaches identify warning signs of cardiac arrest and develop cardiac arrest prevention strategies.

“I was heartbroken after meeting a mother of a young man who suffered a sudden heart attack,” said McAuliffe. “Her son, Nick Varrenti, was a dynamic 16 year old with a bright future and a magnetic smile. After a football game in 2004, Nick suffered sudden cardiac arrest and died.”

In response to his sudden and tragic death, Nick’s mother, Darla Varrenti, formed the Nick of Time Foundation. Nick of Time is committed to keeping others with hidden cardiac problems alive by educating school districts and communities about the problem, offering training in CPR, and providing heart health screenings at local schools and community. McAuliffe has teamed up with Darla to turn her grass roots movement into state law.

“Before our kids storm the court or step onto a ball field, we should be certain their hearts are capable of strenuous activity,” said McAuliffe. “No family should suffer the terrible loss and heartbreak of losing a child to sudden cardiac arrest.”