Andrew Stoddart's Legacy #11Forever
Andrew Stoddart's Legacy #11Forever
by Cara Schmidt
Andrew Stoddart
On May 11, 2015, my son Andrew passed away after going into cardiac arrest while playing soccer. His passing inspired our family to start a fund at London Community Foundation, with one goal in mind: to see Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in place at all sports fields, schools and public facilities across Ontario.
If an AED was on-site that day, Andrew might still be with us. As advocates for these low-maintenance, life-saving machines, our family is reminded that everything happens for a reason. The tragic loss of Andrew has prompted a lot of change and action within our community, including the Thames Valley District School Board now having an AED policy and procedure in place.
We’re seeing more people become aware of AEDs – where the units are located, what they look like and how important they are to have in public facilities. This is what brings a smile to our faces. Knowing we’re making a positive impact in someone’s life keeps us going.
Starting this fund in Andrew’s memory gives us peace of mind. Even after we’re gone, we know his legacy will live on forever. This fund is about our family coming together in a tragedy to help other families, and about the amazing support and love we’ve felt by everyone at LCF.