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Saturday, November 1, 2008
The Athletes For Life Foundation “Saving Life's One Heart At A Time”
Western Arkansas, AR
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I had the pleasure of meeting former Chicago Bears Super Bowl Champion, Olympic Athlete and World Record Holder, Willie Gault. What impressed me the most about his humble persona was his passion for life and his vision. Committed to educating communities on the importance of a healthy lifestyle, Gault founded a not-for-profit organization called “The Athletes For Life Foundation.” The AFL Foundation’s focus is to work towards providing healthcare opportunities and equality to athletes from all demographics.
Gault’s inspiration came after the deaths of 3 former NFL players and friends due to cardiac related complications. He then decided to direct his energy towards health education and efforts to provide medical access for everyone through the AFL Foundation. His team consists of world-class athletes, medical professionals and key individuals. All are committed to creating opportunities at the community level through use of a mobile trailer equipped with cutting edge healthcare technology. Signalife Inc’s Fidelity 100is an ambulatory 12 lead ECG system that is capable of detecting subtle ECG changes that are significant for earlier detection of cardiac abnormalities. This technological advancement and improved quality of data helps physicians to more accurately diagnose and treat patients. The cost associated with this type of diagnostic testing is anywhere from $300-$2000. Through this unique partnership, the AFL Foundation provides this service free of charge while teaching young people the value of living a healthy lifestyle.
“Heart Disease kills more people every year than all other diseases combined. We have tested over 1400 people globally and 18% have some form of heart disease. Of those tested in Oklahoma, that number increases to 26%,” said Willie Gault. "We are currently trying to build 2 mobile trailers specifically for Oklahoma and welcome donations from individual donors, charitable foundations, public entities and corporations."
Perhaps even more impressive than the merits earned by this world champion athlete in the past, are the lives that will be saved as a result of what Willie Gault is doing today. With dedication and commitment to service, the AFL Foundation is working to change these statistics through cardiac diagnostics in an effort to “Save Life's One Heart At A Time.”
For more information, or to invite the AFL Foundation to your town or school, visit www.athletesforlife.com.
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