Saved by CPR, runner supports West Valley Heart Walk

Life’s a game of seconds.”

— Phil Young

IF YOU GO

What: West Valley Heart Walk

When: Saturday, Nov. 14; event opens at 8 a.m.; walk starts at 8:45 a.m.

Where: Goodyear Civic Square, 1900 N. Civic Square, Goodyear

Activities: 3-mile walk, 1-mile survivor Miracle Mile, health activities and entertainment

Register: westvalleyheartwalk.org

Phil Young was training for the Boston Marathon last year when he collapsed and went into sudden cardiac arrest. Two United States Air Force officers began CPR, continuing for nine minutes until emergency responders arrived.

Young survived, returned to running and completed both the Boston Marathon and the New York City Marathon. Now he wants more people to learn the skill that helped save his life.

He is among about 10,000 walkers organizers expect at the fourth annual West Valley Heart Walk on Saturday, Nov. 14, at Goodyear Civic Square. Hosted by the American Heart Association, the event brings together survivors, caregivers and supporters to raise money for heart disease and stroke research and CPR education.

“CPR saved my life,” Young said.

The event opens 8 a.m., with the walk beginning at 8:45 a.m. at Goodyear Civic Square, 1900 N. Civic Square. Participants can take part in a 3-mile walk or a 1-mile survivor Miracle Mile. Registration and more information are available at westvalleyheartwalk.org.

After his cardiac arrest, Young said he spent 27 days in the hospital and was in a coma for a couple of days. When he was ready to leave, a friend told him he would never see the outside world the same way again.

That prediction held true. Young said things that once bothered him now seem less important, and his experience has changed how he responds to everyday frustrations.

“I’m so fortunate to be here,” he said.

He has since connected with the officers who performed CPR and remains grateful they stepped in to help.

“They chose to help me,” Young said.

For Heart Walk Chair Kimberly Blaha, president and chief administrative officer of Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital, the event offers a chance to help more West Valley residents prepare to act in an emergency.

“It’s about bringing our community and specifically the community of the West Valley together around prevention, education, and awareness,” Blaha said.

Money raised supports research and efforts to expand CPR education. Blaha hopes the event encourages participants to recognize how learning CPR could help someone else.

According to the American Heart Association, only about 10% of people who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital survive. CPR started right away can double or triple a person’s chance of survival.

Blaha said the person who needs to act may be a family member, friend or someone nearby, rather than a doctor or nurse.

“What we’re really trying to empower is for people to walk away knowing that they have the ability to save someone’s life,” she said.

Young hopes to continue sharing his experience with local groups and encouraging people to learn CPR. Having another opportunity to speak about prevention and preparedness is one way he wants to give back.

“Life’s a game of seconds,” Young said. “And if you have that CPR knowledge, in those seconds, you can be there to save that one person’s life.”

Noah Flug
Reporter | Litchfield Park and Goodyear

nflug@iniusa.org

Community: Litchfield Park and Goodyear

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a minor in Digital Audiences from Arizona State University

Random Fact: I only have one biological cousin.

Hobbies: Watching movies and TV, spending time with my friends, aspiring stoic.