The Heart and Stroke Foundation’s ReStart a Heart, Restart a Life AED Program and the Heart and Stroke Chase McEachern Tribute Fund have reached a significant milestone.

The foundation announced Friday 2,000 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) have been allocated to municipalities across Ontario.

The original goal was to allocate 1,000 in five years, but the foundation surpassed its goal by 100 per cent, in half the time, in just two years.

Rocco Rossi, CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, said it showed people are working to make Chase McEachern’s dream a reality.

“Today is fantastic, and truly is a testament to the power of dreams to overcome any obstacle, and the power of dreams to overcome even death. In particular, the power of a dream of one special young boy,” he said.

After being diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat, Chase McEachern started a campaign to make defibrillators mandatory in public places.

Before his campaign really got underway, Chase collapsed during gym class and later passed away.
Since his death, Chase’s family, in partnership with the Heart and Stroke Foundation, has continued the crusade to bring defibrillators to public places.

Rossi said the Heart and Stroke Foundation and its partners are working hard to ensure defibrillators are as common as fire extinguishers, just like Chase wanted.

John McEachern, Chase’s father, said it takes a team to make Chase’s dreams come true.  

“It’s a team effort all through Ontario to make the AEDs up front, bring the awareness, bring the education to the people,” he said. “There are so many people involved in this project … I just want to say thanks to everyone.”

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario also announced an additional 734 AED units for more than 45 municipalities.

Thirty of the units will be allocated for Simcoe County, brining this area’s total to 138 AEDs.

In the past two years, Chase McEachern’s dream has saved the lives of eight people in Ontario, including one right in his hometown.

On Dec. 6, 2007 a defibrillator helped save Bob Wilson’s life after he collapsed at the East Bayfield Community Centre.

“The last thing I remember that day was going to the shower after my swim,” he said. “I don’t remember the cardiac arrest, the fall, the revival or the ensuing ride to the hospital.”

Today, after having four stents put in his coronary arteries, Wilson’s life is pretty much back to normal.

Wilson was among the guest speakers at the press conference, where he told reporters about his experience and took the time to personally thank the McEachern family, for continuing Chase’s mission.

“I know how lucky I am to have had people around me who knew just what to do when this happens and to have a defibrillator available at the centre through the Chase McEachern Tribute Fund,” Wilson said. “Without all that, I might not be here today telling my story.”

A defibrillator also saved the life of former Detroit Red Wing Jiri Fischer when he collapsed on his team’s bench during a game.

Fischer spoke Friday about his experience and how it changed his life and caused him to change his priorities.

“The most important thing in life is living and appreciating the opportunity to be alive,” he said.

Fischer said he has been inspired by Chase and his vision for AEDs.

“His legacy will certainly go further than all of ours,” Fischer said.

Walter Gretzky, a stroke survivor, was also on hand to lend support to the AED efforts.

“More AEDs will mean more lives saved, and that means more kids, more parents and more grandparents will be able to go home and celebrate life,” he said. “Unfortunately, it was too late for Chase … we owe Chase a huge thanks. Thanks, Chase.”