The Chad Foundation for Athletes and Artists

Cause Area

  • Arts & Culture
  • Children & Youth
  • Health & Medicine
  • Media & Broadcasting
  • Sports & Recreation

Location

PO Box 145, Radio City StationNew York, NY 10021 United States

Organization Information

Mission Statement

The Chad Foundation for Athletes and Artists' mission is two-fold: First, to raise awareness of Sudden Cardiac Death in Young Athletes and Students through educational lectures, videos, and preventive "Cardiovascular Screenings to High Schools, Colleges, Athletic organizations, and the Disenfranchised," which also identify early cardio risk factors. Secondarily, our mission as artists is to create/produce/sponsor art - film, theatre, and books that celebrate American stories of all heritages and provide inspiring role models. Chad is dedicated to showing the inherent diversity of our country - the struggles, joys, and dreams of all Americans and providing a format for artists of all heritages to showcase their talents. "The Gifts of Heart and Art."

Description

On April 29, Chad was playing football in Van Nuys, CA, and collapsed suddenly and died with no history of heart disease. The Chad Foundation for Athletes and Artists was founded, to raise awareness of Sudden Cardiac Death and inspire youth to live as he did- anti-substance abuse and alcohol-free, "Healthy body/mind/ spirit." (Chad never smoked a cigarette or drank an alcoholic beverage his entire Life.)

The Gift of Heart and Art

The Chad Foundation provides preventive heart screenings that detect unknown heart anomalies and safeguard hearts. Chad has provided cardiovascular screening events in 5 states and abroad (Austria, screening 16 countries of athletes and Sweden, screening 26 countries of athletes participating in the "Homeless Streetsoccer World Cups") for a total of 9,250 persons screened. In NY, post 9-11, Chad provided 2,000 NYPD officers with complete cardiovascular screenings at The NY Police Academy. Columbia University football players also received free echocardiograms, ECGs, diabetes, cholesterol, BMI (obesity), and blood pressure screenings.

The Chad Players provided 9 Off-Broadway multi-cultural performances to challenge the mind and heal the spirit, including their production of "Days of Wine and Roses." The play was sponsored by "The Atlantic City Commission on Missing & Abused Children" as the community event of the year to show teens the deleterious effects substance abuse can have on the family.

Reviews

Would you recommend The Chad Foundation for Athletes and Artists?
2 reviews Write a review
by Tetiana K. (July 30, 2024)
I am immensely pleased to recommend Arista Burtrum, the Founder of The Chad Foundation for Athletes and Artists, a non-profit organization that raises awareness of Sudden Cardiac Death in Young Athletes and Students. Working under Arista's guidance has been an endlessly positive experience. Arista leads with a loving heart, boundless kindness, and attentiveness. She listens to all ideas and ensures that every team member's opinion matters. She allows for freedom of choice, creating a supportive and respectful environment. During my time developing the website for The Chad Foundation for Athletes and Artists, Arista provided clear direction while encouraging innovation and independence. Arista's leadership, combined with her big heart and loving nature, fosters creativity and a strong sense of ownership in the team. Her dedication to the organization's mission is truly inspiring. I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with Arista and contribute to Chad's mission!
by Stevie R. (May 29, 2013)
Ari is an extraordinarily nice woman and is helping to educate people about the potentially life-threatening condition Cardiomyopathy.

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