Scoreboards Dedicated in Fallen Athlete’s Honor

Friends, family, coaches, and athletes all gathered on the football field at in East Northport Tuesday night in honor of Louis Acompora, who tragically lost his life during his first freshman lacrosse game in March of 2000. Two scoreboards overlooking the park were donated by the Louis J. Acompora Memorial Foundation, founded by John and Karen Acompora, in memory of their son.

Louis was 14 years old when he collapsed and died of commotio cordis, a rare form of cardiac arrest. Had there been an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on site, Louis’ chances of survival would have greatly increased. “When he passed, people said this was unacceptable and they stepped up,” said John Acompora, Louis’ father. John and his wife Karen started the Louis J. Acompora Memorial Foundation in order to raise awareness among schools and other public institutions about the importance of owning AEDs.

John and Karen’s message resonated throughout New York State, and Governor George Pataki signed Louis’ Law, requiring all public schools be equipped with AEDs in their buildings and at all sporting events. All coaches, nurses, teachers, custodians, and even students are trained to use AEDs.

Since 2001, when defibrillators were first used in public schools, 57 lives have been saved. “AEDs should be in all public places,” says Claudia Overd of Bethpage, whose daughter’s life was saved by an AED when she went into cardiac arrest at the age of 14. “Because of the Acompora’s story, Bethpage has been fully equipped with AEDs.”

The two scoreboards now standing in Veterans Park are emblazoned with the Louis Acompora Foundation name and will remind everyone of his memory. “Louis is a great kid,” says John Acompora. “If you spent 10 minutes in a room with him, you fell in love with him. People rallied behind him.”

Kiernan Kirby, 12, never knew Louis, but when he heard of his story, he was moved. “[Donating the scoreboard] was a nice thing to do. I keep Louis in my heart.” Kirby raised money to buy wristbands and handed them out to his teammates, so they will always remember Louis as well. Kiernan wears number 12, Louis’ jersey number, on his uniform in memory of Louis.

"I never met Louis, but he's a fine young man." Brian Lober, President of Northport Lacrosse, said during the dedication ceremony. "I know that because of the impact he has had."

Between 10,000 and 14,000 kids die each year from sudden cardiac arrest, according to Karen Acompora. Heart Screen New York, an affiliate of the Louis J. Acompora Foundation, helps detect early health problems in young people between the ages of 14-24. On Saturday, Oct. 22, there will be a at open to all students regardless of where they go to school. The screening will be held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, call/fax (631) 754-1091 or email heartscreennewyork@gmail.com.