Local businessman Jim Stochaj has always been a prominent figure in the world of local youth sports. Whether he was in the stands or on the sidelines, Jim has always been a supporter of youth sports. One of the earliest fixtures in Dudley Youth Basketball, Jim has been a supporter of anything that gets kids playing sports. Since, the founding of Dudley Charlton Youth Lacrosse, Stochaj and his companies of Stochaj Insurance in Dudley, Hometown Insurance in Sturbridge, and now Crimmins-Graveline Insurance of Palmer have always financially supported DC Lax no matter the financial climate. When the 2023 fundraising season came around, DCYLA knew we could count on Stochaj for support. However, when Jim offered to purchase an AED for Dudley Charlton Youth Lacrosse we were blown away.  Purchasing an AED has always been a priority goal for Dudley Charlton Youth Lacrosse

Sudden cardiac deaths are some of the most tragic events in sports. We may never be able to screen for and prevent every heart-related death in young athletes, but there is one piece of equipment that improves the chances of saving the athletes’ lives. Have an AED at games and practices.

It is critical that everywhere that teams practice and play games, there is an automated external defibrillator (AED) close by. If any facility hosts tournaments or events with large numbers of athletes and spectators, there should be an AED present.

It is critically important for youth sports as well. Any youth sport with a risk of commotio cordis – an injury in which an athlete is struck in the chest by an object that disrupts the heart’s electrical rhythm – should have them available. Baseball, lacrosse, and hockey are a few of the sports in which players could suffer commotio cordis.

AEDs are expensive. Teams and leagues can hold fundraisers to come up with money to try to buy one.  Thanks to Jim Stochaj and his companies, the children of Dudley Charlton Youth Lacrosse will now have a little extra protection.