CPR Saves Life of 38-Year Old Father of Five Who Suffered Sudden Cardiac Arrest - Help Needed

CHICAGO, June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- 80 percent of all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in private residential settings and according to the American Heart Association, approximately 95 percent of sudden cardiac arrest victims die before reaching the hospital.  Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can mean the difference between life and death.  On May 13th, Geneva/Chicago resident Lewis Guvenoz, a 38-year old, healthy father of five young children went into sudden cardiac arrest.  CPR was started immediately and paramedics were on the scene within minutes.  Through their heroic efforts, the doctors were able to bring him back.  While it took them 45 minutes to restart his heart, his wife's and the Elburn and Countryside Fire Protection District paramedics' quick response played a critical role in minimizing the extent of the damage to his brain.  

Lewis's case is a stark reminder of the importance of CPR and the need for readily available AED resources.  While the mortality numbers associated with cardiac arrest are alarming, the good news is that they don't have to be – every individual can help improve the survival rate by simply learning CPR and responding quickly.  CPR helps to maintain the critical blood flow to the heart and the brain and also greatly improves the patient's prognosis.  Individuals can find local CPR resources by visiting the American Heart Association's web site (www.heart.org) and checking with local hospitals, fire departments, schools, and other community organizations.

For anyone who has experienced the trauma associated with sudden cardiac arrest and the brain injury that can often follow, you can appreciate the challenges with navigating the health care system.  As Lewis's sister, Ayla Guvenoz-Dickey shares, "a delicate balance must be found through which loved ones can provide the emotional, financial and logistical support for the family, particularly one with young children, while also being a patient advocate, researcher, and providing constant vigilance to ensure your loved one is receiving the best care possible."

Lewis's story is particularly heart-wrenching.  He exhibited no warning signs or symptoms, with indicators such as blood pressure, cholesterol and EKGs all appearing normal.  He has five young children, ages 8, 6, 4 and 4-month old twins.  He was the sole provider for his family, and was a constant in the children's lives.  The family has created a web site, http://www.fatheroffive.org to tell Lewis's story and to assist in raising funds to help in this time of need. In today's tough economic times, any financial assistance would be greatly appreciated.  In particular, the family is in need of a reliable vehicle, with low mileage, that will support the needs of their family of seven.  With the addition of the twins, their current vehicle cannot carry the whole family, along with room for car seats and stowing the many strollers that must travel with a family with such young children.  If anyone knows of someone who may be willing to donate a vehicle, please let us know.  The family is so appreciative of any help and wants to express their gratitude for the kindness they have received thus far.  

For more information or to help please visit http://www.fatheroffive.org or contact Ayla Guvenoz-Dickey at [email protected] or 602-214-3570.

SOURCE Father of Five