In August of 2019, Coach Tom Rapp collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) during a Plano East Panthers football practice. As coaches rushed to his aid, the fear that history was repeating itself was palpable in that moment. Just ten years earlier, Zachary Schrah was lost to SCA at the age of 16 while practicing with this same team. Coach Rapp was there the day Zac collapsed, ushering in the ambulance and giving details to the EMT’s as they worked to save Zac’s life. But history wouldn’t repeat itself that day – in fact, Coach Rapp’s story was far from over.
In October 2020, a little over one year since Coach Rapp’s life was saved by fellow coaches and the quick use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Living for Zachary was proud to donate a brand new AED to the Plano East Panthers in Coach Rapp’s honor.
“It’s amazing to see it come full circle,” said Plano East Athletic Trainer Chris Foley, who performed CPR on Coach Rapp after his collapse. “We had to use [an AED], and now we’re getting one to replace it. Hopefully we won’t have to use it any time soon.”
Reflecting on the meaning of this special AED donation, Coach Rapp said: “It’s a privilege and an honor. Without Chris Foley, the training staff, Rick Woodard, Nathan Collins, I wouldn’t be here. The Living for Zachary organization and what they do is just fabulous, and I can testify to that because I’ve been part of it.”
Coach Rapp’s story of defeating sudden cardiac arrest is a testament to the power of dedicated teamwork, quick action, and access to life-saving technology. Today, more than 11 years after Zachary Schrah’s passing, his legacy continues to live on in Coach Rapp and the entire Plano East Senior High School community.
AED donations save lives in the moments where every second counts. Donations like these wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of hundreds of people who are committed to placing these devices in the locations where they can be used to save people like Coach Rapp. “We are so grateful that they do it, and they have proven obviously with me that it saves lives.”
