North Shore Rotarian Scott Stephens Speaks At Pasadena Rotary Club On EKG Testing For School Athletes
Scott Stephens with Program Chairman Dr. John Mrozek (L)
and Club President Dana Philibert (R)
Our own club member, Scott Stephens, spoke at a recent meeting of the Pasadena Rotary Club to share the tragic story of his son, Cody Stephens and to promote his constant efforts to make a difference in the lives of others through the Cody Stephens Foundation. The foundation's primary goal is to save lives by campaigning and supporting EKG testing for young athletes in Texas schools and beyond.
The Pasadena Rotary Club heard an appealing message from Guest speaker Scott P Stephens (C) who was welcomed by Program Chairman Dr. John Mrozek (L) and President Dana Philibert (R). Mr. Stephens a long time member and past president of the North Shore Rotary club related the heartbreaking story of the tragic death of his teen age son Cody. Cody was a typical healthy-looking football player at Crosby High School who after a pre-season practice came home laid down for a rest and died in his sleep of a mild heart defect. Doctors told Mr. Stephens that the defect could have been discovered by an EKG and easily corrected; however as physical exams for young athletes is much the same today as it was 30 years ago, an EKG was not done.
Hoping to include EKG’s in the routine physicals, Mr. Stephens secured donations from the Crosby Rodeo and other donors totaling over $75,000 and with that “nest egg” has managed to get an EKG included in athletic physicals in Goose Creek, Galena Park, Huffman and Crosby. Additionally with the help of the Texas Legislature Bill 1319 was introduced to include an EKG for 7th and 9th graders. Unfortunately the Bill died in committee, but there is hope for the future.
Sudden heart attacks are the 2nd leading cause of death in young athletes and while EKG’s are not perfect, at a low cost of about $15, they are a reasonable screening tool. Those interested in donating to this worthy cause may send donations to Cody Stephens Foundation 12723 Woodforest Blvd., Houston, Texas 77015.
Posted: Saturday, July 13, 2013 7:00 pm - Reprint from the Pasadena Citizen