Gurnee Holiday Inn site of this year's fundraiser for defibrillators
Long QT Syndrome may not be well known, but it can be deadly.
"This is a life-threatening condition and it's genetic," says Colleen Kausak of Lake Villa.
She speaks from firsthand experience. Her son Adam, then 15, died of cardiac arrest as a result of the condition on Jan. 17, 2002.
Each year since then, the Kausak family has hosted ADAMS (Automatic Defibrillators Allow More Survival) Night, a fundraiser from which proceeds go to buy and place automatic external defibrillators at community facilities.
The annual event, which has changed locations throughout the area, this year is scheduled from 4 to 11 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Gurnee Holiday Inn, 6161 W. Grand Ave. Tickets are $30 per person with children under 5 free. Call (847) 548-7519.
Cost of admission is down from $50 in previous years.
"This time because of the economy and such we did lower the price and it's more of a family event."
"A Family Dance to Remember" will feature dancing, dinner, raffles, auctions and a cash bar.
Since it began, about a dozen defibrillators have been purchased and two saves have been reported: a player in a men's pickup basketball game at Grayslake Central High School in September 2007 and a worshipper at Lindenhurst church last June.
"The pastor giving the sermon thought the gentleman was snoring but he was having a heart attack," Kausak said. "Had the paddles not been there, he would have passed away, we were told."
According to Kausak, more than 4,000 children and young adults in the United States die each year from the syndrome. Persons with the disorder are at risk of a loss of consciousness, cardiac arrest or sudden death.
ADAMS was among the honorees recently presented with a Heartsaver Hero award by Gov. Pat Quinn.
Though defibrillators are mandated in public schools and fitness clubs, the group continues to work with Cardiac Science Corp. to distribute equipment, which is needed in private schools, athletic areas and in the cars of first responders.
"There is much more work to be done," Kausak said.