Darla Varrenti - Founder, Nick of Time Foundation
Following the devastating loss of my 16-year-old son Nick Varrenti, a multi-sport athlete who died from sudden cardiac arrest, I transformed profound grief into life-saving action by founding Nick of Time Foundation with my family in 2006. What began as a mother's quest to honor her son's memory has evolved into a vital community health initiative dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac arrest in children and young adults through comprehensive sudden cardiac arrest awareness, education, and an ECG youth heart screening program.
How the prize money would be used:
The Nick of Time Foundation's mission is to save young lives by preventing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) through education and early detection. To date, we have conducted cardiac screenings for 32,646 young hearts, identifying 648 individuals requiring critical follow-up care that could prevent sudden death.
Our comprehensive screenings include medical and family history assessments, 12-lead ECGs, physical examinations, "hands-only" CPR/AED training, and echocardiograms when necessary. Board-certified cardiologists and sports medicine physicians evaluate all results using international screening criteria, ensuring the highest standard of care typically available only through expensive private cardiology practices.
The award money would directly fund our commitment to serve underserved communities where families lack access to specialized cardiac care. These funds would cover the costs of medical equipment, and screening materials, allowing us to continue offering all services completely free of charge in high-need areas.
Beyond screenings, we educate teens and families about CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) use, advocating for AED accessibility in schools and sports fields. Every dollar invested eliminates financial barriers to potentially life-saving early detection.
This funding ensures that zip code and economic status never determine whether a young person receives cardiac screening that could save their life. Through this support, Nick's legacy continues to protect young hearts in communities that need it most.