Ken Carlson Jr. Memorial Foundation

Your Gift = A Young Athlete's Second Chance

Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in young athletes and it is often preventable. In Ken’s memory, we fund screenings and education that keep families safe.

Ken Carlson Jr. was a beloved husband, son, brother and friend. After his passing in 2002 to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, those who loved him built a foundation to carry his memory forward by creating positive impact in the community.

Our Work

Protecting hearts. Powering futures

Cardiac Screenings & Education

Awareness and non-invasive ECG and ECHO screenings to detect conditions that cause sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes.

Scholarships

Investing in the next generation — scholarships for students pursuing their education and their goals.

Free heart screenings

Non-invasive ECG screenings that catch the conditions behind sudden cardiac arrest before a young athlete ever steps on the field.

AEDs where they matter

We fund AED placement in schools and athletic facilities, including EMS registration and written cardiac emergency response plans, while our program partners provide hands-on CPR certification training for up to 60 participants per session.

CPR-ready communities

Coaches, trainers, students, and parents receive hands-on CPR training so they are prepared to respond quickly when a cardiac emergency occurs. Our CPR certification days provide practical, life-saving skills and can accommodate up to 60 participants per session.

Scholarships in Ken's name

Awards for student athletes who lead with the same generosity and grit that defined Ken's life.

Understanding Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic heart condition that causes the heart muscle to become abnormally thick. It can affect people of all ages and fitness levels, and early detection can make an important difference.

HCM can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, fainting, or heart palpitations. Some people may have few or no symptoms, making awareness and appropriate screening especially important.

Recognize the Signs

Early Detection Matters

Support HCM Awareness

Awareness

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic heart condition that affects approximately 1 in 500 people. It is a leading cause of sudden cardiac arrest in young people, and it can affect individuals of all ages and fitness levels. HCM occurs when the heart muscle thickens, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. This can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and fainting. While there is no cure for HCM, early detection and proper management can help individuals with the condition live full and active lives.

Recognize the Signs

Early Detection Matters

Support HCM Awareness

Numbers that mean names

99+

students and their families screened at no cost

(2023 & 2024 total – Heartfelt to provide update for years of sponsorship soon)

25

previously undetected cardiac conditions identified

(2023 & 2024 total – Heartfelt to provide update for years of sponsorship soon)

$271K+

students and their families screened at no cost

Numbers that mean names

3,100+

Student athletes screened at no cost to families

50

AEDs funded and placed with staff training

1,400

Coaches, students, and parents CPR trained

$310K

Awarded in scholarships and program grants

About The Foundation

Ken Carlson Jr. was a beloved husband, son, brother and friend. After his passing in 2002 to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, those who loved him built a foundation to carry his memory forward by creating positive impact in the community.

The Foundation holds annual events to raise funds to provide scholarships for post-secondary education and to support medical research, awareness, and early detection of cardiomyopathy.