September 8, 2023, will be a day we’ll never forget. I went to wake up my 14-year-old. Xavier’s room, the bathroom, and my bedroom were by each other, and I had the habit of looking in his room to ensure he was ready. I walked past his bedroom and found him slumped over on his bed, lifeless. I went into panic mode. ”My firstborn, my baby, was not breathing and was unresponsive.” I immediately called 911. My world had stopped; it was just the operator, Xavier, and myself; nothing else existed. I lifted my son, a 5’9’ 160-pound teenager, with every ounce I had in me to get him to the floor. I immediately started compressions and everything, but my thoughts were muted. My mind raced: “What would life be without my son?” “How would his sisters live without him?” “Not just us, but everyone?” There are so many things he wouldn’t get to achieve or experience: milestones, celebrations, firsts, and so much more. 

When the first officer arrived, I was still on the phone with dispatch doing compressions. I was tired, worn out, and becoming weak, but I wasn’t stopping; my son’s life was in my hands. The officer took over for me. An AED was attached to him at 5:15 am, and his heartbeat returned at 5:17 am. We got him back, but he was still unresponsive and immediately hooked up to oxygen and rushed to St. Louis Children’s Hospital. When we walked through the doors of the PICU…my entire world fell apart all over again. We were bombarded by healthcare team members and medical testing, including genetic labs for both myself and Xavier’s father, to see if there was an underlying condition in our family.

After seven nights in the hospital and lots of testing, including a family genetic work-up, Xavier was discharged home on September 15, 2023. We got a phone call with the results of our genetic work-up. Xavier had inherited a rare gene mutation from his father’s side, causing Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT), a rare genetic heart condition that causes abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias. These arrhythmias can lead to sudden cardiac arrest, especially during times of high adrenaline levels, like exercise or strong emotions.

Knowing Xavier had a hereditary heart condition, Xavier’s sisters began testing. Unfortunately, Xavier’s oldest sister inherited the same condition. On December 8, 2023, Xavier had a loop monitor placed to track his heart rhythm.

Today, Xavier is thriving and healthy, and I couldn’t tell you how thankful I am to have another day with him. I have severe PTSD from that day; it comes and goes, some days worse than others, but I manage. Whenever I see my son smile, it’s reassuring that life is happening before us, and I cherish every moment. Our family can’t stress enough the importance of knowing CPR. Had I not known, my son would not be here today.