5th annual Have Heart fundraiser held at Waukesha West High School

WAUKESHA, Wis. – February is American Heart Month, and community members in Waukesha are celebrating their 5th annual Have Heart fundraiser.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. An automated external defibrillator, commonly known as an AED, can provide lifesaving measures.

In 2018, Waukesha West basketball player David Skogman suffered a cardiac arrest. An AED saved his life.

Tim Guilette, a board member of the Waukesha West Boys Basketball Organization, says the fundraiser is a way for people to enjoy basketball, earn prizes, and learn about the ways AEDs and AED training can save a life.

“Learn something about how to use an AED system. The fire department and our students here are gonna be showing that, and you never know when and whenever you’re able to save someone’s life,” said Guilette. “Come on down, right. If you’re looking for something to do, it’s gonna be a great game, and there’s a lot of good stuff to come home with and it's all for a good cause.”

Have Heart is hoping to raise $10,000 that will go toward providing AEDs in schools, heart testing for children, and other emergency training.