On May 6, 2012, Cody Stephens was a few weeks from graduating from Crosby High School, and looking forward to showing his pig, steer and lamb at the Crosby Fair and Rodeo in June. He was also excited to be headed to Tarleton State University on a football scholarship, and working to stay in good physical condition to be prepared for college football practices.
At 6’9″ and weighing 289 lbs, he seemed to be in perfect health, with no indication he had a fatal heart problem. On that Sunday afternoon, Cody kicked back in his dad’s recliner, said he was tired and dozed off for a nap. He never woke up but died in his sleep, from Sudden Cardiac Arrest. His family had never heard of SCA and had no idea that young, seemingly healthy children were at risk with relatively few or no warning signs.
This foundation was created to share Cody’s story with others, to raise awareness of this silent killer and help prevent other families from experiencing the loss and heartache of losing a child to SCA.
Symbols of the logo represent:
Wings & Sun’s rays – FFA, the organization that Cody loved being a part of
“76” – Cody’s football # for the Cougars and was promised at Tarleton Texans (both jerseys temporarily retired)
Red & White – colors of Crosby Cougars where Cody played high school football
Purple & White – color of Tarleton Texans – where Cody would have played college football
Heart shape – Cody's big heart that loved everyone
Barbwire – represented Cody’s favorite song – “Barbwire Halo”
Shotgun shell – Cody’s love of the outdoors, hunting & fishing
EKG line - EKG line representing heart screenings
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Don't miss this amazing song from a poem Scott wrote with Mr Larry Holder. Don Vickers made it his own. It means a lot to Scott and all of us!
The meaning behind "Go Big or Go Home" as told by Scott at a Foundation fundraiser.
Want to help at a heart screening in your community? Let us know! We'd love your help. We provide training and support.
Cody Stephens Foundation provides free heart screenings for Texas youth. Your thoughtful gift will help save lives and allow children to play with heart.
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