Our Story
The Josh Thibodeau Foundation, also known as Helping Hearts, is dedicated to saving lives and preventing tragedies like the one experienced on July 18, 2011. That day began with the usual rush of summer activities, but ended with the heartbreaking loss of Josh, a vibrant twelve-year-old, who collapsed during soccer camp and could not be revived despite the efforts of EMTs and hospital staff.
Josh’s sudden passing was due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a condition that could have potentially been detected through routine ECGs or echocardiograms. In his memory, the foundation focuses on helping youth athletics by promoting the importance of heart health screenings for student-athletes. By raising awareness and providing resources for early detection of heart conditions, Helping Hearts aims to ensure that no family has to endure such a loss.
Through these efforts, the foundation hopes to create a safer environment for young athletes and honor Josh’s love for sports and life.
Get Involved
The Josh Thibodeau Foundation, also known as Helping Hearts, extends its mission beyond the tragic loss of Josh by advocating for routine heart screenings in youth sports. Following Josh’s passing, his sibling was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome, highlighting the critical importance of ECGs and genetic tests for early detection of potentially fatal conditions. Helping Hearts aims to protect other families from similar heartbreak by promoting awareness and resources for heart health evaluations, ensuring young athletes can pursue their passions safely and honoring Josh’s memory.
Because of Josh’s sudden death and his brother Adam’s long QT Syndrome diagnosis, Josh Thibodeau Health Heart Foundation advocates for routine heart screening for all. The JTHHF aims to protect other families from similar heartbreak by promoting awareness and resources for heart health screenings, ensuring students can pursue their passions safely and honoring Josh’s memory.
Annual Soccer Tournament
Heart Screenings
AED Device Donations
Foundation Community Events
Donations To JT Foundation
HELP DONATE
Automated External Defibrillator
Each (AED) costs between $1,000 – $1,500. The overall mission is to achieve more donations to increase the number of AEDs that are available. Even the smallest amount helps.