ABOUT US

 The Frank J Reali III Family Foundation is a 501C3 non profit organization.

On April 29, 2007 our world was shattered when our son, husband, father and brother Frank died suddenly of a massive heart attack in his sleep leaving behind the life he started with his 5 children and wife.

 Although this tragedy occurs more often than we would like to think about, young people die at an enormous rate.  A CNN study showed that over 400,000 young adults (40 years of age & under) are affected by Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) each  year.  This is of epidemic proportions and something needs to be done! So we are going to be the one to do it.

 Although the foundation has been in existence for one year, we have had 2 fundraisers which will enable us to embark on our first testing facility for incoming high school freshmen.  Four hospitals and many physicians have partnered with us to offer Echocardiogram and EKG testing to the freshmen contemplating sports.

A small study of 600 children at Schneider’s Children Hospital had shown a heart problem in 3 out of every 100 children tested.  We are working with the public school system here on Staten Island.  With the help of future grants and fundraisers, we will begin testing soon.  Every gift or donation will help fill this terrible void of finding the defect before a sudden cardiac death.

 Our goal is to take this borough-wide, city-wide, state-wide, then nationwide.

 PRE-ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION CARDIOLOGY SCREENING PROGRAM

 The Frank J Reali III Family Foundation in collaboration with Staten Island University Hospital are proposing to establish a pre-participation cardiac screening program for high school athletes in Staten Island.  Although physical examination including cardiac auscultation is already required of students participating in team sports under the auspices of the NYC Public School Athletic League, this approach could miss cardiac abnormalities that can predispose to sudden cardiac death.  Through the performance of electrocardiograms (ECG’s) and screening echocardiograms, we will be able to detect rhythm disturbances of the heart as well as abnormalities of size, thickness and function of the left ventricle, aortic valve and aorta.  The presence of these conditions could result in catastrophic clinical deterioration in the face of severe exertion associated with competitive sports.  Participation in the program will be entirely optional and will be at no cost to those who elect to participate.

 PILOT PROGRAM

We anticipate screening approximately 300 students participating in competitive sports per academic year. 

PROGRAM

 1.     All participants and their parents will be required to complete in advance a health history questionnaire and a consent form.

2.     Staff for screening sessions will be entirely provided by Staten Island University Hospital and supported by the Frank J Reali III Family Foundation.

3.     Dr. Michael LaCourte, Director of Pediatric Cardiology, or his     designee will interpret all studies and share results with the students and their families as well as primary care physicians.

4.     Students in whom significant abnormalities are detected will be referred through their primary care physician to a pediatric cardiologist for further evaluation and treatment as needed.

PROGRAM IMPACT

 While the pilot program will reach approximately 300 high school age children in Staten Island, it will serve as a model program for the establishment of similar programs throughout the high schools on Staten Island.  We anticipate the concurrent development of educational programs for students, parents and primary care physicians with the aim of familiarizing them with the signs and symptoms of cardiac disease and the benefits of screening.