Teen Recalls Collapse During Practice

PEARLAND, Texas - It was a miracle on the practice field. A high school football player who collapsed during spring workouts is back in his Pearland home. His doctors say a simple device saved his life.

Jonathan Moore's wish to lay in his own bed is soon to come true. For the first time since he collapsed during the workout session, the defensive lineman for the Dawson High School football team is headed home.

"That was the worst day of my life," said Vanessa Williams, his mother.

"To get a phone call saying your child collapsed and his heart is weak. That's a call no parent wants to get."

On March 3, Moore was on the practice field with his teammates. It was a normal day of working out, but within minutes, the teen was on the ground, without a pulse, and athletic trainer Chris Shaddock was using the team's 10-year-old A.E.D. for the first time.

"This little device cost just $1,000 to save someone's life," said Shaddock.

During a news conference at Memorial Hermann Childrens' Hospital, Moore marveled at how little it weighed.

"I just want to thank the people who made it," said Moore, "and coach for having it."

State law requires schools to have the devices on hand, but Moore never gave them much thought when passing them in the locker room.

Now, his name is carved on the back of the A.E.D. That bought him enough time to get to the hospital where doctors implanted an internal defibrillator in his body to prevent future episodes.

And while no one expects a teenager to just suddenly collapse, doctors say there are warning signs.

"They may have symptoms, shortness of breath, feeling their heart beating fast, skip beats or they might have dizziness," said Dr. Gurur Biliciler-Denktas, the pediatric cardiologist who treated Moore.

Moore said he did not experience any of those symptoms, but he has not focused on the past.

Now armed with a second chance at life, it is time for Jonathan Moore to just be a teen again.