SEATTLE, August 26, 2024 – Dr. Brett Daniel knows he is lucky to have beaten the odds. In August 2007, he was out for an early morning jog with his wife and their young son when the 33-year-old physician collapsed. Since he was on call for the weekend, his phone fell out of his pocket, and it prompted his wife to call 911. His wife, a pediatrician, performed chest compressions until medics arrived six minutes later. 

Nine out of ten cardiac arrest victims don’t survive, according to the American Heart Association. But luck was on Dr. Daniel’s side that day. Earlier that week he had gone out several times for a run all by himself. “CPR from my wife was crucial for keeping my brain oxygenated and preventing long-term damage. If she wasn’t there, the outcome would have been very different,” he explains.

After medics arrived, they administered four shocks with a defibrillator to get his heartbeat back to normal. He spent five days in intensive care and received an implantable defibrillator that would shock his heart if he went into cardiac arrest again.         

To this day, doctors don’t know why Dr. Daniel’s heart stopped. But he shares his story to encourage others to learn CPR. “If it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone. The more people that know to call 911 and start CPR, the more families that will be together.” 

The incident also changed his outlook on life, as it does for most survivors of cardiac events. “We feel compelled to make a positive impact on the world around us and not take life for granted. The important things in life, like family, meaning and purpose, have clear priority. I was lucky to survive and I want to do something meaningful with the gift of time I’ve been given.” 

Dr. Daniel recently joined the American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of work to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere, as a board member in the Puget Sound. In September, he will walk as a survivor at the Association’s Puget Sound Heart and Stroke Walk with fellow teammates from Optum Pacific Northwest, where he serves as the chief informatics officer. 

The American Heart Association has set a goal of doubling cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030 and all registered participants for the Heart and Stroke Walk this year will have the chance to learn Hands-Only CPR through a digital experience that includes watching a 90-second instructional video. CPR, especially if given immediately, can double or triple the chance of survival, according to the Association.    

The Heart and Stroke Walk is the signature community event for the American Heart Association and will be held on Saturday, September 21 in Seattle and Saturday, September 28 in Tacoma. Every dollar raised helps to save lives by funding scientific research that can lead to medical breakthroughs, as well as programs that drive public health policy, set guidelines for medical care and educate the community about heart disease and stroke. To join, register at PugetSoundHeartWalk.org. This year’s Heart and Stroke Walk is sponsored by CVS/Aetna, MultiCare Health System, Delta Dental of Washington and Providence Health Plan. 

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.  To reach the American Heart Association in Washington visit heart.org/Washington or on Facebook, Instagram or X.   

For Media Inquiries:

Valerie Koch, Valerie.koch@heart.org 

Francesca Minas, Francesca.minas@heart.org 

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org