By Eric Stock
NORMAL – A University High School family is paying it forward after their son survived a heart attack thanks to a quick response from the school’s athletic trainers and medical staff.
Wilma Bates’ son Kai Bates-Diop was back in school on Thursday for the first time since the incident two weeks ago.
PODCAST: Listen to Scott and Patti’s interview with Bates on WJBC.
“We know how fortunate we are that Kai is alive, and we never want to lose sight of that if there’s another child or adult in that situation, we would like to think we could have helped if they had another AED in that building,” Bates said.
The Bates family is helping U-High and the Illinois Heart and Lung Foundation raise money to buy more defibrillators for Illinois schools by selling t-shirts for $10.
“The school is asked what can we do to help I said why don’t we have an awareness about the fact that schools don’t have AEDs,” Bates said.
She said about 600 shirts have been purchased so far, enough to buy two AEDs. A Radio Bloomington fundraiser outside Hy-Vee last week collected $500 in change.
Bates added Kai is recovering well, he returned to school on Thursday. The 16-year-old was given a defibrillator implant and it’s not clear when he might be able to play competitive basketball. He is expected to be on the bench during the Pioneer’s senior night game vs. Pontiac tonight.
Eric Stock can be reached at eric.stock@cumulus.com.
