Advocate Spotlight: Kelly Alkhatib

This spring, I’ve been advocating with the American Heart Association in support of the Smart Heart Act to ensure every South Carolina school is equipped to save lives during cardiac emergencies.

I want to share my personal reason for advocating its passage: my son, Jack Ismiel Alkhatib. Jack was born on December 6, 2003, and tragically passed away on August 24, 2021, due to undiagnosed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. My name is Kelly, and I am Jack’s heartbroken mom.

Jack was a great kid from the beginning. Respectful, funny, kind, smart, loving, easy to raise and a delight to love. He was always athletic and had a great time playing basketball with his older brother. Eventually he found playing football brought him the most confidence and joy. Strong and fearless, he made a perfect offensive line player. He was loved by his teammates, coaches and teachers alike; he was a very well rounded young man.

On Friday, August 20, 2021 Jack played the first game of his senior year at Wren High School with a fantastic win. Four days later, on Tuesday the 24th at 9:11 pm, he was gone. During football practice, Jack told his friends he felt dizzy and then collapsed. Someone started CPR, and they brought an AED, but it’s unclear if they had a plan to address the emergency quickly.

When I received a phone call from the ER, the urgency in the doctor’s voice told me I needed to get there ASAP. Upon arrival, I was given the absolute worst news of my life. My Jack had died during evening practice in the end zone on the Dutch Fork High School football field. He was just 17 years old.

I stood next to the gurney that held my beautiful son’s body, thoughts racing through my mind. WHY? HOW? WHY? He hadn’t complained of any issues recently and seemed fine when he drove to practice. I’m an RN–did I miss something? I was dumbfounded.

Jack will forever be missed by his family and friends. The school still flies the flag with “60,” his player number. His legacy will live on through me. I can’t bring Jack back, but I will travel to the ends of the earth speaking, advocating and educating all who will listen. I am committed to being a voice with the AHA to advocate for those taken much too early from us. There is much work to be done. I’m ready. Will you join me?