A promising high school junior, Callie Mitchell, tragically passed away during a cheer camp at Texas A&M University. Despite valiant CPR efforts, her life was cut short. Her parents received a concerning call from a coach inquiring about her morning condition, to which they rushed to campus and found CPR in progress. Callie suffered from long QT syndrome, a heart rhythm disorder, likely triggering her cardiac arrest.

Her father, Scott Donahue, advocates for early detection of such conditions through EKG screenings, which aren’t part of standard athletic physicals in Texas. He stresses the potential life-saving impact of this measure. Callie was known for her vibrant spirit, love for cheering, and her goal of becoming a child psychologist. Her story serves as a reminder that early detection and proactive health measures can save lives, urging parents to safeguard their children’s well-being. In Scott’s words, “Get an EKG.”