Following the sudden, unexpected death of their son in 2009, Hector and Rhina Paredes decided to turn their pain into action. Eric Paredes, 15, an athlete at Steele Canyon High School in Jamul, died of cardiac arrest caused by heart rhythm problems. Sadly, the pre-activity physical exam he underwent did not include an EKG exam. “Most athletic physicals for pre-participation screening aren’t adequate enough,” said Dr. John Rogers, a heart specialist at Scripps Green Hospital. An EKG would likely have saved Eric’s life, according to experts. And while he is gone, his parents have started the Eric Paredes Save a Life Foundation — a potentially life-saving event that will come to Point Loma High School (PLHS) on May 20. The free program, which PLHS will offer to all students in grades 8-12 — not just athletes — will provide an EKG to students, particularly those with a family history issue or previous fainting, dizziness or chest pain. A group of 20 doctors and volunteers is prepared to administer as many as 1,200 EKGs. “We have also invited the students from High Tech High and The Rock Academy to this event, since it is about helping all kids lead a healthier life,” said PLHS athletic director John Murphy. Questions? Email Carey Dawidzik at [email protected]. For more information or to register a student online, visit http://epsavealife.org.