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The John Taylor Babbitt Foundation (JTB) Heart Club at ������ý��Ƶ�����ƹۿ� recently raised money for the purchase of an additional Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for the Department of Public Safety. The student-led group did so by holding its third annual ‘Walk With Heart” on campus on Saturday, September 27, raising $2,400 in the process.

“We will be obtaining a new LIFEPAK 1000 Defibrillator for one of our patrol cars, which of course will accompany our officers when we respond to medical calls on campus,” said John Ritchie, Assistant Director of Public Safety.

It’s vital equipment to have on hand. A portable device, an AED works by sending an electric shock wave to the heart to try to restore a person’s normal heart rhythm.

The JTB Foundation, a non-profit foundation, was established to prevent sudden cardiac death. It’s named in honor of John Taylor Babbitt, who died at age 16 when his heart stopped during a basketball game at his church gym. His father, David, is a 1979 ������ý��Ƶ�����ƹۿ� graduate.

Students at high schools and college campuses run JTB Heart Clubs, which contribute to the foundation mission by focusing on four goals: advocacy, education, defibrillators and fundraising. At Fairfield, a club chapter was founded several years ago by Sean Donovan, ’11, who was John Babbitt’s best friend from Chatham, New Jersey; Patrick McCahill, Jr., ’12; and Cathleen Keating. The Center for Faith and Public Life was also helpful in establishing the club. Sara Rasmussen, ’15, is its latest president. “We’re very grateful to the fine young men and women at ������ý��Ƶ�����ƹۿ� who have led the club and devote their time to it,” said Joanne Babbitt, John’s mother.

With the backdrop of a beautiful fall day, students, alumni, Public Safety officers, and other ������ý��Ƶ�����ƹۿ� community members took part in ‘Walk With Heart.’ Proceeds from the event will be used to support the ������ý��Ƶ�����ƹۿ� community and JTB Heart Club’s goal to purchase additional AED units and sponsor on campus CPR/AED training classes.

“Although we hope it will never been needed, the new AED will give us peace of mind," said Officer Ritchie."We are extremely grateful to the JTB Club for their kind donation.”

Photo: Under blue skies, students, alumni, Public Safety officers, and other ������ý��Ƶ�����ƹۿ� community members took part in ‘Walk With Heart.’ Photo courtesy of Debbie McCahill, '82.