Community bands together for a cause

AKRON, N.Y. (WIVB) - First responders will be the first to tell you, time is critical when a young athlete collapses on the field.

That's why a local community is banding together to prevent another tragedy from happening.

On May 15, 2009, Emily Rose Adamczak collapsed on her Akron High School soccer field of sudden cardiac arrest.

Since that fateful day, the community has held events to spread awareness and raise money to prevent another tragic incident.

Annette Adamaczak said, "The thing with sudden cardiac arrest is that 90% of it goes undetected, as it was in my daughter. She was under the care of a cardiologist and it was something that even went undetected through his care."

On Sunday morning, close to 200 runners participated in the third annual Emily Rose 5K race.

Proceeds raised go towards a scholarship and also to new automated defibrillators or AEDs, to a local sports field.

Akron High Coach Bob Kowalik brought several of the high school teams to support the cause.

"It's a great effort, great community effort to bring the kids together, people for the cause and to remember Emily and the family. And if we can help any other kids," said Bob Kowalik.

Kowalik said, "I think that's just a terrific thing and I hope it keeps going for a long time."

"I wish she was here but I know she's with us and it definitely makes you think of her a lot," added Lauren Zianfrini.

The previous races has put three AEDs at local fields and taught CPR to hundreds of kids and coaches which has become the legacy Emily left behind.

Adamczak said, "There's not a day that goes by that we don't miss her and realize she's no longer with us."

"We know Emily couldn't so anymore from this vantage point. So it's our honor to do this for her; to make people aware what possibly be done. And if we continue her name on, and if we can continue doing this, then that's the biggest blessing of all," said Adamczak.