The sudden loss of his son, Jake, to Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in November 2023 profoundly changed Snoqualmie Fire Chief Mike Bailey’s life.
Determined to make a difference, Chief Bailey has partnered with the Nick of Time Foundation, an organization devoted to raising awareness and providing heart screenings for adolescents and young adults to prevent similar tragedies.
On February 5, 2025, the Nick of Time Foundation will bring its life-saving mission to the Mount Si High School gymnasium from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event, in collaboration with the UW Center for Sports Cardiology, offers free heart screenings for young people aged 12–24. Participants do not need to be affiliated with the Snoqualmie Valley School District to attend.
“Speaking from experience, you never think about heart issues in children and young adults,” Chief Bailey said. “SCA is more prevalent in kids as they begin to be active and play sports, and it is the leading cause of death in exercising young adults, happening every two days in the US. Most have hidden cardiac abnormalities with no warning signs until suffering an SCA. Normal sports physicals don’t go deep enough into looking for abnormalities that could cause problems. The screenings are quick, non-invasive, and well worth the time and effort.”
Participants will begin by completing a Heart Health Survey about symptoms or family history of heart conditions. On the event day, attendees will proceed through several stations, including a blood pressure check, height and weight measurements, and an EKG to analyze the heart’s electrical signals.
In some cases, an echocardiogram (ultrasound) may be conducted. Results are reviewed on-site by experienced cardiologists and sports physicians. After consulting with the cardiologists, participants will be trained in hands-on CPR and AED usage. The entire process takes about 45 minutes.
Mount Si High School plays a critical role in hosting the event. “The NoT group also relies heavily on support from the school to put on the event through the donation of time, space, volunteers, and supplies. Mt Si has been an amazing partner in getting this screening up and running and organized,” Chief Bailey explained.
Mount Si High School’s ongoing commitment to hosting these screenings highlights the school’s dedication to students’ health and safety, which is vital in making this event possible.
Jake Bailey had big aspirations, and his family believes he would have appreciated the work being done in his memory. “Knowing Jake, he would, of course, be embarrassed about the fuss but would then flash his amazing smile and say that it is really great. His goal was to become a forensic scientist, and I think he would have gotten a kick about the work the foundation is doing to prevent SCA,” Chief Bailey shared.
The Bailey family’s decision to share Jake’s story has helped others understand the importance of heart screenings. “Being able to volunteer with the foundation and participate and talk with others who have walked the same path we are walking has helped immensely. Although life will never be the same without Jake, knowing that I am doing something to help prevent others from experiencing what we have helps to make sense of it all,” Chief Bailey said.
Since its inception, the Nick of Time Foundation has screened over 30,000 young people, identified 625 who required follow-up care, and recently conducted its 100th school screening.
“What stands out most to me about their mission is the absolute dedication of the group and their volunteers to do what they can to help prevent these tragic events. The group of volunteers is amazing, and their dedication to this cause is incredible,” Chief Bailey added.
For those unable to attend the February 5 event, another screening will take place on March 8, 2025, at the Seahawks practice facility in Renton. Donations to support the foundation’s mission can be made directly on its website at www.nickoftimefoundation.org.
“Not only are the screenings free through the foundation, but if something is found that warrants further testing, the foundation is there to offer guidance and help you navigate the next steps in following up with a cardiologist,” Chief Bailey explained. “It is a simple and effective process that parents can enroll their kids in to help their children be safer. There is no reason not to take part in this amazing opportunity to help protect their children.”
For more information or to reserve a screening time, visit the Nick of Time event page on the Mount Si High School website.
