A total of 110 student athletes were screened for heart disease at Play for Patrick, a free cardiac screening hosted by Cuyuna Regional Medical Center and The Play for Patrick Foundation at Eagle View Elementary School in Pequot Lakes last Thursday, June 20. Some high blood pressures and abnormal EKGs were detected and the youth were referred for additional medical testing.

The event was held in memory of Patrick Schoonover who in 2014 collapsed on the ice after scoring a goal at a Brainerd hockey tournament. First responders were unable to revive him and it was later determined Schoonover had numerous defects that caused his early death. His heart condition was never detected during exams or physicals.

The screening included family health history, height and weight, blood pressure, EKG, echocardiogram and discussion with a physician. The screening also included hands-only CPR and AED training in which parents were encouraged to participate.

Following their son’s tragic death, the Schoonover family worked with the University of Minnesota Physicians Heart clinics to educate and inform families about heart defects and to help make heart scans more accessible and affordable. Since 2015, the Patrick Schoonover Heart Foundation completed 15 Play for Patrick youth heart screens, screened 2,736 kids, found 157 with high pressure, 218 with abnormal electrical or structural heart defects, taught 2,512 kids and adults CPR and AED awareness and donated six AEDs to area high schools.

CRMC physicians together with cardiologists and numerous CRMC nurses, technologists, physical therapists, exercise physiologists and other staff volunteered their expertise and time for the screening.

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