Hamden woman donates AED to Seymour Middle School in son's memory

Pictured from left, Seymour Middle School Principal Bernadette Hamad, Lauren Rossi, Michael Vincent Sage Dragonheart Foundation, Seymour Middle School Assistant Principal Ernie DiStasi, and Associate Superintendent of Seymour Schools Nancy Snopkowski. /Contributed photo

SEYMOUR - Lauren Rossi of the Michael Vincent Sage Dragonheart Foundation of Hamden and mother of the late Michael Vincent Sage Friday presented Seymour Middle School Principal Bernadette Hamad and Assistant Principal Ernie DiStasi with a Defibtech Automated External Defibrillator and AED Cabinet for use at Seymour Middle School. 

The Defibtech AED was obtained by Seymour Public Schools Director of Security Rich Kearns, through a grant offered by the Michael Vincent Sage Dragonheart Foundation.

The Michael Vincent Sage Dragonheart Foundation, Inc. was established in memory of Michael Vincent Sage, who died on Feb. 5, 2010 at the age of 29 from a sudden cardiac arrest, SCA. 

Michael Vincent Sage

The mission of the Michael Vincent Sage Dragonheart Foundation is to raise awareness and support research into the early diagnosis and prevention of sudden cardiac arrest, including bystander awareness education, CPR training, and availability of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in schools, athletic facilities, and other public forums.

Rossi told school officials, “We carry on in the hope that Michael’s story shines a light on the importance of bystander education, AED training and availability of AEDs so there are fewer sad endings for families whose loved ones suffer an SCA. Michael’s presence in our lives was, and continues to be, a gift and we hope to be able to share this gift with others.”

Associate Superintendent of Seymour Public Schools Nancy Snopkowski, who was on hand for the presentation said, “It is so comforting and reassuring to know that this AED will be available if the need arises for our students, staff, and visitors at Seymour Middle School. We sincerely thank the Michael Vincent Dragonheart Foundation for this generous donation and all that they do for the communities they have touched.”


This is a press release from Seymour Public Schools Director of Security Rich Kearns.