An Ironton mother recently started a campaign to collect enough money to buy automated external defibrillator, or AED, for four local youth sports leagues after hearing about a boy who died of sudden cardiac arrest while playing soccer.

Charli Hatfield Stevens became concerned because her children are in sports and have to practice in the unusually hot September weather. When she found out that none of the teams have AEDs on hand, she took it upon herself to raise money to buy one of the HeartSine Samaritan PAD 305P AED with a carry case and wall bracket for each league to have on hand.

In just nine days, with donations from people on Facebook, retired Ironton veteran Jack Leonard and the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge Local #75, which represents the Ironton Police Department, contributed enough to buy three machines and are well on the way to getting a fourth machine.

Stevens pointed out that the machines could be used not just on the kids in an emergency situation but also those who come to support the teams.

AEDs come with clear instructions and are easy to use, so that anyone can use it, not just medical professionals.

Stevens has said that since the campaign has been so successful, she would like expand the effort and get AEDs for every youth league in the county.

Youth sports games should be remembered as a fun time, not the day they lost a team mate or spectator.

We find that to be a very worthy cause that the whole community should support.

We commend Stevens for her effort and for all those that contributed.