Advocacy for Mandatory EKG Screenings in Youth Sports Following Tragic Loss

In a heartfelt mission to safeguard young athletes, Massapequa High School parents Mary and Craig Kasin are promoting the need for mandatory electrocardiogram (EKG) screenings in youth sports. Their advocacy comes after the devastating loss of their son, Connor Kasin, a promising 17-year-old hockey player, who tragically passed away due to an undiagnosed heart condition.

The Tragic Incident

Connor Kasin collapsed on the ice during a charity game in November 2024, succumbing to a rare heart condition known as arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). This condition can lead to irregular heartbeat rhythms that often go unnoticed during standard physicals.

Push for ‘Connor’s Law’

Determined to prevent similar tragedies, the Kasin family is collaborating with Assemblyman Michael Durso to introduce “Connor’s Law.” This proposed legislation aims to mandate EKG screenings for all student athletes by age 13 across New York.

“Hopefully, the governor and everybody else hear our cries and understand that this is something that needs to get done. It’s going to save lives,” says Assemblyman Durso.

The Importance of Screening

Mary Kasin emphasizes the necessity of EKG screenings, stating:

• “Nothing ever came up in a basic physical.”
• “It’s unbelievably painful to lose a child. If I even thought for a second that Connor had a problem, he would have had an EKG.”

She advocates that EKGs are simple and non-invasive, making them an essential measure to ensure young athletes’ health.

Community Response

The support for EKG screenings is growing in Massapequa, with local hockey teams participating in a pilot screening program. On the first day, 37 athletes, coincidentally Connor’s jersey number, received screening:

“We knew it as a sign, and it was a sign that Connor completely approved of what we were doing,” remarked former Chiefs player Billy Sciurba.

Legislative Progress

Currently, Connor’s law is pending review by the assembly’s Health Committee. The Kasin family plans to testify in Albany to further advocate for this crucial legislation.

Broader Community Impact

Interest in EKG screenings is not limited to hockey; other sports teams are eager to participate as awareness spreads:

• Parents of basketball players have reached out about EKG testing for their children.
• Friends of Connor’s sought screenings for themselves after his sudden passing.

Craig Kasin shared that with growing support, they aim to extend the initiative nationwide:

“If we can move it across the country, that’d be something awesome.”

Conclusion

The Kasin family’s journey reveals the significant need for comprehensive health screenings in youth sports, potentially saving lives and preventing future tragedies. The combination of personal loss and community action exemplifies a proactive step towards ensuring that no other family has to endure the same heart-wrenching experience.

For more information on heart health and the importance of screenings, visit the American Heart Association.