Former NHLer Craig Cunningham went through a life-altering experience when he suffered cardiac arrest during an AHL game with the Tucson Roadrunners on November 19, 2016.
Forced to retire after his left leg needed to be amputated, the 28-year-old nearly lost his life along with leg and hockey career. Now a scout with the Arizona Coyotes organization, Cunningham is hoping to help save lives by creating “The All Heart Foundation,” as well as educate and inform people about the prevention of sudden cardiac arrests.
Thanks to his perseverance and shrewd group of medical experts and cardio-thoracic surgeon Dr. Zain Khalpey, the former Vancouver Giants captain defied the odds and survived the scare. 90 percent of people that suffer sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) end up passing away, but not Craig. On average, over one thousand people pass away from SCA, and sometimes, the cases are preventable.
With the proper technology, the foundation has launched several innovative collaborations by creating smart watch screening through apps, fingerstick blood screen tests for high performance athletes, and specialized automated external defibrillators.
If you’re interested in learning more about Craig’s non-profit charity or would like to make a donation, head to his website.
