Simon Prushan Fundraiser

Simon Prushan's Fundraising Challenge: Let's Reach $20K!!🚴‍♂️🏃‍♀️

In January 2011, I was a 12-year-old boy searching for a philanthropic opportunity as part of my Bar Mitzvah, which would take place that November. I was introduced to Darren and Phyllis Sudman, the founders of Simon's Heart, without fully understanding the mission of their organization. What initially drew me in was the unique connection I felt-I shared the same name as their late son, Simon Sudman, for whom the organization is named.

Simon passed away far too soon, at just three months old, from sudden cardiac arrest-a treatable heart condition if detected early. Tragically, we've seen too many student athletes collapse and die while playing the sports they love due to undiagnosed heart issues. As an athlete myself, I felt an even deeper connection to the cause after learning more about Simon's story and the organization's impact. For my Bar Mitzvah project, I organized a heart screening in my school district for 300 students. Of those screened, about 10 were found to have irregular heart rhythms-some of whom went on to receive life-saving heart surgery. That experience revealed to me the real, tangible difference Simon's Heart can make.

More than a decade later, I still ask myself, "How can I continue to support this mission?" Last year, I completed my first-ever endurance event-an 118-mile bike ride through the Colorado Rocky Mountains-and raised over $3,000 for Simon's Heart. This year, as my list of endurance events grows, so does my fundraising goal. I'm setting out to raise $20,000 in honor of 20 years of Simon's Heart-and the 20 years that Simon Sudman tragically didn't get to live.

Throughout the year, as I train and compete, I'll be raising funds and awareness for Simon's Heart and the importance of heart health. I look forward to crossing the finish line of my first marathon this November in Philadelphia-the birthplace of myself, Simon Sudman, and Simon's Heart-filled with gratitude for the ability to compete and make an impact on future generations.

Simon's Heart continues to screen hearts, pass life-saving legislation, donate AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators), educate coaches, and publish critical research.

Will you join us in continuing to save lives?

Cheer me on for the following events:

📅 Denver Half Marathon - May 18th
📅 Happy Valley Ironman 70.3 - June 15th (State College, PA)
📅 Philadelphia Marathon - November 23rd