A bright future was cut tragically short as a rising high school junior, Callie Mitchell, lost her life while attending a cheer camp at Texas A&M University. The 16-year-old, described as a ray of sunshine, was airlifted to Texas Children's Hospital after a coach performed CPR on campus. Despite the valiant efforts to save her, Mitchell's life came to a heartbreaking end.
Heartbreakingly, Mitchell's father, Scott Donahue, revealed that his daughter had long QT syndrome, a cardiac conduction disorder that disrupts the heart's electrical rhythm. Often inherited, this condition can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. Scott believes that the condition likely triggered her cardiac arrest, underscoring the importance of early detection.
Notably, long QT syndrome can be detected through an electrocardiogram (EKG), a test not included in the standard athletic physicals provided to students in Texas. In light of their devastating loss, Mitchell's father is passionately advocating for parents to ensure their children receive EKG screenings.
"For any other parents out there, you know they do physical tests every year. ... EKGs are not part of a physical test. ... Get an EKG," Scott asserted, stressing the potential life-saving impact of this preventive measure.
Tragedy has struck, but in the midst of heartache, a mission emerges. Callie Mitchell's story stands as a reminder that advocating for early detection and proactive health measures can save lives. As the community mourns the loss of this bright soul, her legacy serves as a call to action, urging parents to take an extra step in safeguarding their children's well-being.
There have been accounts of sudden death or cardiac arrest in young athletes following the COVID 19 pandemic.
It is known that COVID 19 victims often have heart inflammation from either the disease or vaccination with the mRNA vaccine.
If someone had Covid or the vaccine, it is prudent to have an EKG as part of the pre-physical examination prior to participating in vigorous exercise.
Myocarditis and pericarditis after COVID-19 vaccination are rare. Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, and pericarditis is inflammation of the outer lining of the heart. Most patients with myocarditis or pericarditis after COVID-19 vaccination responded well to medicine and rest and felt better quickly, and most cases have been reported after receiving mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.
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