What an extraordinary year it has been. As we reflect on 2025, we are profoundly thankful to our supporters, volunteers, partners and donors. Together, we began the year with the most powerful reminder of why this work matters, another life saved in January thanks to quick action and an accessible AED. Read more about this story below.

Your support fuels moments like these. It ensures that families stay whole, that young people get the screenings they need, and that schools and youth organizations are prepared for how to respond to sudden cardiac arrest.



Thank you for being a part of this vital mission❤️

During a routine guard training session this January, a lifeguard at Sonoma Splash collapsed without warning. In those critical first moments, the Sonoma Splash team sprang into action...calling for help, starting CPR, and retrieving the AED on site. Their confidence, training, and teamwork made all the difference. The first shock from the AED restored his heartbeat, and by the time paramedics arrived, he was conscious and responsive.

The AED they used was housed in an outdoor SaveStation at the aquatic center, part of the very first donation just1mike provided to the Sonoma Valley Unified School District. Incredibly, this marks the second life saved because of that original donation.

The Sonoma Splash staff demonstrated exactly what preparedness looks like: recognizing an emergency, acting immediately, and using an AED. Their response is a powerful reminder that every second counts and that heart-safe communities truly save lives.

Building Heart-Safe Communities:

⚡ Educate ❤️ Empower 🏥 Implement

This year, we launched Get Charged Up – just1mike, a new cardiac-readiness program offered in partnership with Parent Heart Watch. The program helps youth-serving organizations strengthen their emergency preparedness by guiding them through key milestones...recognizing cardiac arrest, responding quickly, and establishing a strong Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) which has been implemented and practiced. Upon completion, participants receive an AED and essential accessories to support immediate action in an emergency.

At its heart, Get Charged Up-just1mike gives schools and youth organizations the tools, training, and confidence to help prevent sudden cardiac death and protect the youth they serve.

Your generosity helps us place AEDs where we work, live and play... we look forward to sharing the stories of our first program applicants soon!

Protecting Young Hearts Through Life-Saving Screenings

Just1mike is proud to continue to support lifesaving ECG screenings in two states, Illinois and California through trusted partners who share our commitment to preventing sudden cardiac death in youth. This year, we added another state, Pennsylvania, thanks to the amazing efforts of our junior board member Ben Terrell.

In Illinois: Helped Sponsor 5 Young Hearts for Life

High School Screenings in 2025

See the full YH4L schedule and sign up to volunteer here:

In California we support the Kyle J. Taylor Foundation Screening Program by serving as a Foundation Sponsor.

See the full Kyle J. Taylor Foundation screening schedule and sign up to volunteer here:

First Heart Screening at Sewickley Academy

Sewickley, Pennsylvania

Junior Board member BenTerrell made a tremendous impact this year at his school and in his community by helping bring the first-ever heart screening event to Sewickley Academy, in June 2025. His leadership and dedication ensured that students had access to potentially lifesaving ECG testing.

Ben and his family worked with the Who We Play For, another foundation and screening program we partner with, to bring their screening program to Sewickley Academy. Just1mike was proud to sponsor the event to make this testing free to all participants.

Thank you Ben and the Terrell family!

To date, just1mike has helped bring ECG testing to over 24,000 youth and young adults since we began supporting screening programs in 2017. We are grateful for our amazing screening partners, all those who have volunteered to help with screenings, to the families who registered their children for testing, all who helped sponsor these events and most of all for the young lives that have been saved through this very necessary and preventative measure.

Junior Board

The just1mike junior board is a team of passionate young leaders dedicated to raising SCA awareness, supporting our programs, organizing events and strengthening heart-safe communities through service and advocacy. We are grateful for this amazing group and next generation of heart advocates.

A special highlight for the junior board this year was the "Step Up For Hearts" campaign and virtual walk that was held in October, SCA awareness month and Michael's birthday month. The group started at Hinsdale Central High School and walked to the Clarendon Hills triangle to raise awareness and honor Michael's 26th birthday.

Thank you for making such a meaningful impact in so many lives and a special shout-out to our leaders...Maddie Starr, Mariam Dada and Darren Carlevato!

Special Book Launch

"Looks like you need a Big Hug!"

by Kristy Knapp Brindley

This year marked the debut of “Looks Like You Need a Big Hug!”, a children’s book inspired by Michael’s generous spirit and his unforgettable way of offering comfort and love. Kristy wrote this book to share Michael's light, kindness, and comforting spirit, the book invites young readers to understand the power of empathy, connection and the joy of giving a “big hug.”

The story also reflects the heart of the just1mike foundation, reminding us that one small act can spark something bigger. Every book purchased supports our mission, helping us continue providing lifesaving heart screenings, AEDs, and community education in Michael’s honor. This book is not only a gift for little readers, it’s a gift back to the mission that carries Michael’s legacy forward.

Learn more about the book and buy your copy today

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, just1mike will support 4 more Young Hearts for Life screenings in the first half of 2026 including the 4th screening we have helped sponsor at Michael's high school, Hinsdale Central.

• 1/27 at Montini High School
• 2/24 at Hinsdale Central High School
• 4/14 at Hinsdale South High School
• 4/28 at Lemont High School

Kyle J. Taylor Foundation will participate in the National Youth Heart Screening Day on February 2nd and has three additional community screenings scheduled at the beginning of the new year.

• 2/7 National Youth Heart Screening Day-Saratoga, CA
• 2/28 Community Screening-Tracy, CA
• 3/22 Community Screening-Sacramento, CA
• 5/2 Community Screening-San Jose, CA

As we close out 2025, we feel immense gratitude for everyone who has walked beside us this year. Your support fuels the programs, partnerships, and advocacy that continue to save lives and strengthen heart-safe communities. With your help, the ripples of just1mike will continue to reach new places and protect even more young hearts in the year ahead💙💛

P.O. Box. 1905, Sonoma, CA 95476

In all we do, we are loving you Michael!