Local Teen Works to Save Lives

Most might assume Milford native Sean Burns is just the average teenage boy whittling away the lazy days of summer at football practice and with friends. But this driven 14-year-old, who is an avid hockey player, is dedicating his time to a unique and worthwhile cause he has named Hearts4Hockey.

Burns created Hearts4Hockey eight months ago after a Milford High School hockey player was struck in the chest by a puck during a game in Marlborough and went into cardiac arrest. Fortunately, the school trainer had access to an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), and the boy survived. But if the school had not had the AED, the player might not have lived.

"Although most schools have an AED, they aren't devoted to the hockey team. I plan on changing this. I feel the head coach should have one at every game, scrimmage and practice. My goal is to help deliver AED's to as many local hockey programs as possible," said Burns.

So far, Burns has gotten companies to donate three AEDs to local hockey programs. hockey team received a donated AED from Embrace Home Loans and Hearts4Hockey. Milford Fire and Police departments donated an AED to Milford Middle School hockey team, and Starhawks Youth Hockey Association donated to Algonquin High School hockey team.

Zoll Medical is giving a discounted price of $1,230.50 for AEDs bought through the Hearts4Hockey program. If you know of a company interested in this worthwhile cause to create a safer environment for children in the community, email Burns at hearts4hockey@gmail.com.

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