Get to know the leadership team behind the mission! This month, we’re spotlighting a member of Living for Zachary’s Board of Directors and giving you a look at just one of many passionate people who lead Team L4Z each year.
Jeff Bolen
Jeff is a husband and father who resides in Dallas. Between his work with Black, Mann & Graham, LLP and family activities, Jeff keeps a busy schedule. “I have two boys, one 19 and the other 15. The oldest is a sports guy and the youngest is a musician. Needless to say we have spent the better part of a decade going from one event to the next!”
At the age of 38, Jeff began noticing unusual cardiovascular symptoms. “I was a competitive soccer player. I had played for 34 years. Shortly after we finished a game, I noticed that my heart rate was still elevated. After some time went by and my situation was the same I went to the hospital. I was taken from there to the Heart Hospital were they diagnosed my issue as atrial fibrillation and scheduled an ablation. A week and half later I was back to playing soccer. Later that year on Father’s Day while playing soccer, I went into another arrhythmia and was diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia. Another ablation was scheduled but regrettably they could not locate the issue. This led to my being implanted with an ICD and pacemaker.”
Shortly after his diagnosis, Jeff was made aware of Living for Zachary’s mission through his electrophysiologist, Dr. Brian DeVille. “There was an advertisement at his front desk about the HeartBeats Gala. I decided then and there that I should probably check out this event since my doctor supported it. My wife and I attended the second Gala and have been involved ever since.”
After meeting Living for Zachary Founder Karen Schrah, Jeff knew it was time to put his passion for heart health to use as part of the leadership team. When asked what he loves most about Living for Zachary, for Jeff it’s simple: the people.
“Everyone involved is so nice. It has been fun learning how to work within a charity, and it also feels pretty great seeing the difference we can make in our community. While my health situation is slightly different, the idea that we can help young people and prevent sudden cardiac arrest is amazing.”
Thank you, Jeff, for using your personal story to create change in our North Texas community through the Living for Zachary Board of Directors!
