Lion Heart Heroes Foundation

09/01/2026

New research could help doctors better identify patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) who are at highest risk for sudden cardiac death.

A major study led by UVA Health followed nearly 2,700 people with HCM and found that cardiac MRI and a blood test called NT-proBNP may provide important information about a patient’s risk.

Researchers found that several factors were especially important, including:

The amount of scar tissue in the heart
The overall size and weight of the heart muscle
How well the heart pumps
A history of heart failure
Elevated NT-proBNP levels

HCM affects at least 1 in 500 people, and some people may have no symptoms at all. Better risk assessment could help doctors identify patients who may benefit from potentially lifesaving treatment.

Knowing the risks can save lives. Knowing the warning signs can, too.

Learn more about the study from UVA Health: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-balance/new-hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy-study-highest-risk

08/28/2026

We value partnerships with other organizations working to prevent Sudden Cardiac Arrest. One of the ways we do this is by volunteering with the Nick of Time Foundation, which screens high school students with ECG's and teaches CPR. Here are Tiffany, Laurie, and John at the Nick of Time Foundation Volunteer Appreciation Picnic! Nick of Time has screened over 35,000 students and found over 670 with heart abnormalities in the Puget Sound area.

08/19/2026

Know the facts about Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)!

Sudden Cardiac Arrest doesn't always come with a warning, and it can affect anyone of all ages.

That’s why awareness matters. Understanding the risks, recognizing when someone is in cardiac arrest, and knowing how to respond can help save lives.

Take a moment to learn the facts about sudden cardiac arrest and share this post to help spread awareness.

08/17/2026

When A1C Syamukonka Moonga collapsed and died during exercise a year ago, we shared that his death was caused by sudden cardiac arrest. What we didn’t know then was this disturbing detail from the investigation: other trainees tried to get an automated external defibrillator (AED) to help him—but the AED shut off and would not restart.

An AED can save a life only if it is rescue-ready when it’s needed.

This raises an important question: What should the military be doing to ensure AEDs on bases are properly maintained, inspected, and ready for an emergency?

We’d especially like to hear ideas from service members, medical personnel, first responders, AED program managers, and others with experience on military installations.

Ideas welcome!

https://taskandpurpose.com/news/air-force-death-fitness-test-report/


Air Education and Training Command Naval Base Ventura County

An investigation found that Airman First Class Syamukonka Moonga, who died after finishing a run last August, had no pre-existing conditions.

08/13/2026

We have been waiting to share more about the young Marine recruit who suffered a medical emergency during a Physical Fitness Test at Camp Pendleton.

Pvt. Aiden Craig, just 18 years old, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest--the most common cause of death during exercise--on August 1 and died at the hospital on August 5.

Our hearts and prayers are with Aiden’s family, friends, fellow Marines, and everyone who loved this young man who had so much life ahead of him.

His death is also a painful reminder of why we continue to advocate for cardiac screening of military recruits. EKG screening can identify more than 80% of the heart conditions that put young people at risk for Sudden Cardiac Arrest—conditions that often have no warning signs.

Lion Heart Heroes has been urging the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego to implement cardiac screening for twelve years. We hope this tragic loss strengthens the urgency to act.

08/13/2026

We have been waiting to share more about the young Marine recruit who suffered a medical emergency during a Physical Fitness Test at Camp Pendleton.

Pvt. Aiden Craig, just 18 years old, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest--the most common cause of death during exercise--on August 1 and died at the hospital on August 5.

Our hearts and prayers are with Aiden’s family, friends, fellow Marines, and everyone who loved this young man who had so much life ahead of him.

His death is also a painful reminder of why we continue to advocate for cardiac screening of military recruits. EKG screening can identify more than 80% of the heart conditions that put young people at risk for Sudden Cardiac Arrest—conditions that often have no warning signs.

Lion Heart Heroes has been urging the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego to implement cardiac screening for twelve years. We hope this tragic loss strengthens the urgency to act.

https://taskandpurpose.com/news/marine-recruit-aiden-craig/

Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego United States Military Entrance Processing Command U.S. Department of War

Originally from Texas, Pvt. Aiden Craig, 18, posthumously earned the title of Marine. His death is under investigation.

08/08/2026

Our newest volunteer, Tiffani, hosted a Lion Heart Heroes table at the Coast Guard Day Celebration in Snohomish, Washington, earlier this week. She taught kids about CPR and AEDs, and raised awareness in the Coast Guard about cardiac arrest and the need for EKG screening. Thank you, Tiffani!

08/07/2026

Lion Heart Heroes was pleased to join the I Corps Surgeon's Office and representatives from Avive to discuss strengthening the AED program at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington.

Plans are underway to improve the quality, accessibility, and maintenance of AEDs serving nearly 50,000 people across JBLM. Always room for improvement!

08/06/2026

Can you find the AED in these public spaces?

Everyone should know where to locate an AED before an emergency happens. The best time to find one isn't during a cardiac arrest, it's today.

AEDs are often mounted in a white wall cabinet with a clear heart and lightning bolt symbol, and can commonly be found in places like schools, airports, libraries, gyms, community centers, and sports facilities.

Challenge yourself: Can you spot the AED in each image?

Next time you're in a public place, take a minute to locate the nearest AED. That simple habit could help save a life someday.

07/30/2026

A first for Washington state! The first locked, publicly accessible outdoor AED cabinets have been installed in Bonney Lake.

We were honored to attend the dedication ceremony recognizing Deputy Fire Chief Bill Mack, who served on the board of the Nick of Time Foundation and gave so much to the Bonney Lake community and East Pierce Fire and Rescue.

The AEDs are located at Allan Yorke Park, Fields 1 and 5, where people gather for sports, boating, swimming, playground activities, concerts, and more.

To access the AED, call 9-1-1 and give the dispatcher the address posted above the cabinet. The access code will immediately appear for the dispatcher to provide—within seconds, the AED can be on its way to someone in need.

Thank you to the Nick of Time Foundation, Project 100, the City of Bonney Lake, and everyone who helped make this lifesaving AED access possible.