About The Steven M. Gootter Foundation

The mission of the Steven M. Gootter Foundation is to save lives by defeating sudden cardiac death through increased awareness, education and scientific research.

Sudden cardiac death, which is responsible for more than half of all heart-related deaths in the United States, is the leading cause of natural death in this country. It claims more than 900 lives a day.

On February 10, 2005 it claimed the life of Steven M. Gootter, a vibrant, athletic 42-year-old father of two young children.  Steve had no known history of heart disease and no previous health problems.  His situation is typical of many people who lose their lives to sudden cardiac death, which strikes quickly and, often, without any prior symptoms.

Because there are so few survivors to tell their stories and encourage others to assess their own risk factors, most people are unaware of the danger sudden cardiac death can pose until it strikes close to home.  Such was the case for Steve's family and friends.  It was unimaginable to them that Steve, a vivacious individual in the prime of his life, could lose his life instantly and with no warning.   This loss mobilized Steve's family and friends to establish the Steven M. Gootter Foundation with the objective of sparing others the tragedy of losing a loved one to sudden cardiac death. 

The Steven M. Gootter Foundation works to increase awareness of sudden cardiac death among those who may be at risk, it fosters education among the public and health care professionals and it funds scientific research into the causes of and treatments for sudden cardiac death.