Cathleen Allison/Nevada Appeal Sarah Hunter and her daughter Sabrie Mengler, 7, center, listen as Jonathan Rittenburg, of Cardiac Science, explains an automated external defibrillator. The donation of two defibrillators to Hunter's two children, who suffer from a potentially fatal heart condition, will allow Carson Montessori School to also have the device on hand.
Sarah Hunter's obsession is her children. But unlike other mothers who obsess about their kids' grades or sports or relationships, Hunter obsesses about their hearts.
Tyler, 9, and Sabrie, 7, Mengler suffer from long QT syndrome, a rare hereditary condition that leaves the sufferer vulnerable to fast, chaotic heartbeats that may lead to fainting - and in some cases death.
With her children's safety in mind, Hunter chose Carson Montessori School because of its small size - all 81 of the students, grades kindergarten through fifth, are in one room.
Hunter and her husband Dave purchased a defibrillator to shock Tyler and Sabrie's hearts should they need it. But with a price tag of more $2,000 a piece, there wasn't much hope the family of five could afford another.
With just one machine, the siblings could never be apart.
"We love each other, but we want to go separate places," said Sabrie.
"I want to go play football," said Tyler.
"And I want to go to ballet," said Sabrie.
"It's hard enough at night going to sleep and wondering if something is going to happen, but when you have one that wants to go with his dad to the grocery store and one that want to stay home with me, who do you send the machine with? How do you pick between your kids," said Hunter.
Wednesday, in a ceremony at the Carson charter school the children attend, Nevada Project Heart, in conjunction with Parents Heart Watch Network, presented the family with two more defibrillators donated by manufacturer Cardiac Science.
Now there will be one of the life-saving machines permanently at school, and a second one will go home with the children.
"Because of the donations made today, our children can feel safe wherever they are. Alone or together, at school or home, Tyler and Sabrie are as safe as they can possibly be," Hunter said.
In addition to the machines, Carson City Fire Deputy Chief Tom Tarulli said his department will train all nine of the school's employees and Hunter's entire family in CPR and use of the defibrillator.
The magnitude of the gift was not lost on Tyler and Sabrie. Their smiles were wide and they were sincere in saying in unison exactly what the donation meant to them.
"Thank you for giving us our freedom."
• Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.
What is Long QT Syndrome?
Long QT Syndrome is a disorder of the heart's electrical system. The condition leaves you vulnerable to fast, chaotic heartbeats that may lead to fainting - and in some cases death.
You can be born with a genetic predisposition to long QT syndrome. In addition, more than 50 medications, as well as other medical conditions, may cause long QT syndrome.
Treatment for long QT syndrome may involved limiting your physical activity, avoiding certain medications or taking medications to prevent the development of chaotic heart rhythm. Some people with long QT syndrome also need an implantable device to control the heart's rhythm and prevent against sudden death.
- Source: mayoclinic.com