Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) occurs many times, and most often the cause from SCD comes from an undetected genetic heart disorder known as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM).

HCM affects 1 in 500 people in the world today, which means there is at least 500,000 people living with HCM today.  This may or may not include those who are not aware that they even have this disease.  HCM is becoming a big problem in the world today, mainly because of the number of undiagnosed and misdiagnosed people, who unfortunately are only properly diagnosed from their autopsy (as in Derrick’s case).  We have to put an end to this and help save more lives.

Every year, over 400,000 people die from this disease and the numbers continue to escalate.  Many victims do not have access to an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), which could increase their survival rate by almost 90%!  Unfortunately, this was not the case when Derrick Faison passed away, otherwise he may possibly still be with us today.   We need to increase awareness of SCD so that we can be prepared the next time someone falls down unconsciously from a sudden cardiac arrest.  We need to know what to do and how to respond.  I urge you to learn your family history, get regular check-ups, and know what the signs are!  I don’t want another family to suffer the tragic loss of a loved one, especially when it could have been prevented.

We need to increase awareness and educate people of this disease so we can decrease the number of deaths each year.  Currently, every 3 weeks a young athlete dies from SCD due to HCM!  That is 24 young people we are losing per year to this disease!  This is a big problem and as you can see, there are too many out there who do not know they have HCM.  We need to get properly screened, know your family history and more importantly, “pay attention to your body”!

This foundation was set up in memory of a very special man who not only changed my life, but many lives.  Derrick was not only an amazing husband and father; he was also a special teacher and gave of himself to others.  He was a strong role model for his own children and his students which he taught (Orange County Access Department).

At the Derrick Faison Foundation, we strive to increase the survival rate of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) victims, in order to decrease the number of deaths that occur each year from this condition.  Our mission is to donate AEDs, support heart screenings and increase awareness of SCA and HCM through education. Additionally, our goal is to carry on Derrick's legacy of affording underprivileged students the chance to succeed in life.  The Derrick Faison Foundation provides scholarships to qualifying underprivileged students.

I want to personally thank you for your continued support in helping us continue to make a difference in our society.  May God bless you and your family and remember, “Each day is a gift.”

For more information on HCM and the signs and treatments available, please visit  www.4hcm.org.

Sincerely,

Regina Faison
Derrick L. Faison Foundation