Free heart screenings planned

| September 19, 2014 9:00 PM

POST FALLS - Cyndie Lempesis couldn't save her son from sudden cardiac arrest, so she's working to save the lives of other children.

Lempesis' foundation, Straight from the Heart: The Jordan Johnson Foundation, will host free heart screenings for ages 14 to 24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Boys and Girls Club of Kootenai County, 200 W. Mullan Ave., Post Falls.

To register or for more information, visit www.straightfromtheheart.us or email Cyndie@straightfromtheheart.us.

Since 2011, Lempesis has organized free youth heart screenings in Kootenai County to help doctors detect abnormalities in the heart. October is Sudden Cardiac Awareness Month.

Lempesis' son, Jordan, was a 15-year-old athlete at Post Falls High when he died in 2006.

"Jordan had just finished swimming and football," Lempesis said. "He was trying out for basketball. He had no symptoms - no fatigue, dizziness. That's typical of people who've lost a child to this."

Thanks to Straight from the Heart, hundreds of North Idaho children have undergone screening. Some have been directed to some type of medical follow-up.

In sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), the heart suddenly stops beating with no warning. When this happens, blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs. SCA causes death if it's not treated within minutes.