'Running For A Reason' Held At Northport Middle School

NORTHPORT, NY — Fifth grade students at Northport Middle School showed support for a cause close to home during this year's National CPR/AED Awareness Week, which ran June 1 through Wednesday, the Northport-East Northport School District announced.

For the annual "Running for a Reason" walk, students requested donations to the Louis J. Acompora Memorial Foundation, which raises funds and awareness regarding the importance of owning automated external defibrillators (AED).

The foundation was founded in memory of Louis J. Acompara, a young Northport athlete
who died suddenly as a result of sudden cardiac arrest during his first high school lacrosse game in 2000. Louis’s sister, Alyssa, joined the group of teachers and fifth grade students to speak about the legacy of her brother and the importance of continuing to raise awareness for the cause.

"I understand here in Northport that all fifth graders receive CPR and AED education- our
family is very proud of you all," she said when addressing the students. "You can become an
advocate for the foundation by encouraging your friends and family to learn hands-only CPR, how
to use an AED, and be aware of where it is. Thank you again for your generosity and continued
support."

Class by class, students began walking the track. They collectively ran more than 26 miles total.

As students ran, jogged or walked along the track, their peers cheered them on and held signs honoring Louis and his legacy.

Community members can make a donation or learn more about the Louis J. Acompora Memorial Foundation here.

Louis's parents began raising awareness

While only a freshman at Northport High School, Louis Acompora was already a highly touted lacrosse goalie, according to the foundation. As captain of the freshman team, he was being groomed to be the next star varsity goaltender for Northport. On March 25, 2000, in his first high school game, tragedy struck.

With his parents on the sidelines, he blocked what appeared to be a routine shot with his chest, the foundation wrote on its "about us" page. He took a few steps and collapsed on the field. The coaches and trainers rushed out, and after realizing Louis was not breathing, they began to administer CPR. The paramedics arrived almost 15 minutes after Louis collapsed. They attempted defibrillation but were too late. Louis died at the age of 14.

John and Karen Acompora, Louis's parents, realized his death could have been prevented if the school had owned a portable defibrillator. A defibrillator revives cardiac arrest victims with an electric shock to the chest. After Louis died, the Acomporas started a grassroots campaign to raise awareness among schools and other public institutions about the importance of owning automated external defibrillators (AED), which would have saved Louis's life.