(Union, KY – October 17, 2023) – The Matthew Mangine Jr. Foundation (MMJF) marks the 20th heavenly birthday of Matthew Mangine Jr. After Matt Jr.’s passing, neighbors within Matt and Kim Mangine’s neighborhood in northern Kentucky began hanging purple lights with its other Halloween decorations at the request of Marsha Mangine, Matt Sr’s stepmother. One of Matt Jr’s favorite colors was purple.
The MMJF encourages the use of purple lights not just in northern Kentucky, but throughout the country to heighten awareness of preventable safety issues among youth athletes. Photos can be sent to the email: contact@mmjf5.org – for posting on the foundation’s social media platforms and website.
Matthew Jr. collapsed during soccer practice on June 16, 2020, at the age of 16. An Automated Electronic Defibrillator (AED) was not used or brought to the scene until the EMTs arrived, even though the high school’s Emergency Action Plan (EAP) stated that several AEDs were on site. Matthew passed away following his collapse.
The MMJF addresses the need for lifesaving medical equipment such as AEDs among athletic organizations, especially high schools, and youth sports clubs. It is critical for youth and high school athletes to have the necessary safety equipment onsite when medical emergencies arise.
In addition, The MMJF seeks to train 10,000 people by year end via its signature program – Take10 Technique (hands-only chest compressions). More than 7,500 have already been trained this year.
Since Matthew’s death in 2020, the United States continues to lose a high school athlete every 3.5 days to Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest is the number one killer among student athletes and on school campuses. “With these alarming statistics, our work can’t stop,” said Matt Mangine Sr.
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About the Matthew Mangine Jr. Foundation
The Matthew Mangine Jr. Foundation was founded by Kim and Matt Mangine Sr. to educate parents, coaches, and athletes about the number of preventable sudden deaths. The Foundation strives to raise awareness about cardiac episodes by educating parents, coaches, and athletes on the importance of properly executing Emergency Action Plans. MMJF advocates for the expanded use of AEDs along with heat/cold therapy devices. For more information on the foundation, visit: mmjf5.org.