The Foundation was subsequently established by Dillon’s family – his parents Dan and Hazel, and his sisters Shannon and Kellie – with the aim of funding widespread cardiac screening for young people (aged 13-17) involved in sport. Dillon’s family want to prevent other families from going through what they have experienced and, in the process, save lives.

 

On average, Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) takes 100 young lives in Ireland every year.  Cardiac screening can help prevent SADS by identifying heart conditions at an early stage – before they cause symptoms. With your help, our aim is to raise awareness and save lives through a cardiac screening programme.

 

The screening programme, delivered by Advanced Medical Services and funded by the Dillon Quirke Foundation, will perform cardiac screening in sports clubs nationwide with the aim of reducing the incidence of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome.

 

Since 1982, in Italy, all individuals who participate in an organised sports programme requiring regular training and competition must undergo an annual medical evaluation including cardiac screening. This has resulted in an 89% decrease in deaths from SADS. If we introduced a similar system to Italy, we could save 89 lives every year!

 

Since Dillon’s passing, fundraising initiatives for the Foundation have included the sale of branded jerseys and numerous community and sporting events throughout the country.