Back in August, Local 10 told you about American Heritage High School football player Timothy Burroughs-Love, who collapsed after going into cardiac arrest on his team’s sideline during a preseason game.
Today, he says he’s “just lucky to be alive.”
The 17-year-old was saved after athletic training staff at his Plantation high school administered life-saving measures through CPR and an AED -- vital skills acquired through preparation and thorough training.
“I thank AEDs for saving my life,” the teen said.
But with no more football, Burroughs-Love lost his athletic scholarships, so others stepped in, creating the LOVE fund.
“It was important to me to start this LOVE fund to be able to help reach his goals. Even though he lost his scholarships, to be able to help get (him) to college and be able to reach his potential,” American Heritage PE teacher Seymour Loftman said.
Thankful for his life, Burroughs-Love and his family say they are embracing new beginnings with his second chance at life.
“This is bigger than football. I feel God has bigger and greater plans for Timothy,” his mother, Tenise Love, said.
Burroughs-Love now advocates for heart awareness and highlights the importance of AED systems in schools and businesses.
Burroughs-Love said he’s skipping his high school prom, and instead plans to head to the Heart Ball this Saturday at the Diplomat Hotel in Hollywood to further his new mission and calling.
“I love helping people. I just want to help the community any way I can,” Burroughs-Love said.
The Heart Ball will be hosted by Local 10′s Jenise Fernandez.
If you wish to donate to the LOVE fund, click here.