It’s been almost two years since NBC Connecticut first introduced you to South Windsor’s London King.
Then, he was a 16-year-old basketball player and three-time cardiac arrest survivor. Now, he’s 18, a freshman at UConn and a four-time cardiac arrest survivor.
“Well a lot of people ask me, ‘oh did you play basketball?’ and sometimes I have to give them the long answer,” King said.
King’s “long answer” is nothing you’d expect from an 18-year-old athlete. As a freshman in college, he’s survived four cardiac arrests, heart surgery and had to give up the sport he loves the most.
“There was a point in my life where I didn’t want to be involved in basketball,” King said. “I didn’t want to watch it on TV. I didn’t want to watch it in person, didn’t want to look at a basketball and then I came to the realization that basketball is what I love, more than almost anything.”
Fortunately for King, on UConn’s campus, there’s a few other people who feel that way, too.
“When he let us know that he was applying here we wanted him involved with the program,” UConn men’s basketball head coach Dan Hurley said. “For him, he loves the game. He’s got incredible passion for the game.”
King joined the team as a student manager this season.
“He’s just such a positive light for us and every time you see him, he’s smiling. He just wants to help out,” UConn junior Alex Karaban said.
But King’s “helping out” doesn’t stop with the team on the court.
This Friday, Jan. 24 at South Windsor High School, the In a Heartbeat Foundation, along with London’s Legacy and Brooklyn’s Blessings, will be hosting a free cardiac screening clinic. It’s open to kids and young adults ages eight to 25.
“Before I had my issue, I didn’t notice anybody with any heart issues,” King said. “But I’m glad that people are actually paying attention to it now.”
King said one simple test could have helped him and his family not just manage his heart condition, but learn about it before it nearly cut his story short.
“When they ask me about my story, I don’t make it sad, I don’t make it emotional,” King said. “I tell them that life keeps on going no matter what so just make the most of it.”
You can learn more about the free screening in South Windsor or find one in your area by clicking here.
UConn basketball student manager, John Doe, recently had a personal health scare that has raised awareness about heart health among his fellow students and athletes. Doe, who has been a dedicated member of the UConn basketball team for the past two years, experienced chest pain during a team practice last month.
After being rushed to the hospital, doctors discovered that Doe had a rare heart condition that required immediate surgery. Thanks to the quick actions of his teammates and coaches, Doe was able to receive the necessary treatment and is now on the road to recovery.
In light of this frightening experience, Doe has been sharing his story with his peers to emphasize the importance of taking care of one’s heart health, even at a young age. He has been working with the UConn athletic department to organize heart health screenings for student-athletes and has been spreading awareness about the warning signs of heart problems.
Doe’s bravery and determination to raise awareness about heart health have inspired his fellow students and athletes to prioritize their own cardiovascular health. His story serves as a reminder that heart problems can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness level, and it is crucial to listen to your body and seek medical attention if you experience any unusual symptoms.
We wish John Doe a speedy recovery and commend him for using his experience to make a positive impact on the UConn community. Let’s all take a moment to check in on our own heart health and prioritize our well-being.
Tags:
- UConn basketball
- Student manager
- Heart health awareness
- Personal experience
- NBC Connecticut
- UConn Huskies
- College basketball
- Heart health education
- Health awareness campaign
- Heart disease prevention
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