NEW YORK - Sarah Taffet, a graduate student on the Fordham softball team, and Assistant Athletic Trainer Bridget Ward attended an American Heart Association event at City Hall on Thursday to kick off American Heart Month. The ceremony also sought to facilitate education on heart health, expand CPR instruction and increase funding for AED (automated external defibrillator) installation.
 
Taffet and Ward became inextricably linked in early October of 2021, when the infielder collapsed on the field following a seemingly routine play at first base.  Her heart had stopped.  Thanks to the quick thinking of Ward and the efforts of several spectators with medical training, Taffet received immediate CPR intervention before the AED restarted her heart and likely saved her life.
 
A battery of tests after the incident revealed that Taffet suffered from an incredibly rare congenital birth defect that usually leads to fatal heart failure before the age of one.  Taffet underwent surgery to correct the issue that November and returned to the team in time for the beginning of its 2022 Atlantic 10 Championship season, starting 46 of her 47 appearances.
 
At City Hall this week, Taffet and Ward were able to share their story with a number of high-ranking members of the city government, including Council Member Rita Joseph, herself a survivor of open-heart surgery.  The duo was also introduced to several influential officials at the American Heart Association, who were captivated by Taffet's story and indicated a desire to share it with an even wider audience.
 
"Being able to share my story and the importance of CPR/AED usuage is something that has become so important to me," said Taffet.  It is crucial that we continue to learn and teach others the value and importance of live-saving skills."
 
Taffet and Ward were first connected with the American Heart Association late last month after the entirety of the Fordham softball program became certified in CPR.
 
The Fordham softball team will begin its 2023 campaign on Friday at the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, Fla.