AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - One local mom is serving as an advocate for cardiac arrest awareness after her son died in 2023.

Montrile “Monty” Rouse, 13, went into cardiac arrest during a basketball game in November of 2023, and later died at the hospital.

Since then, his story has caught the attention of both state and local leaders as she has fought for legislation surrounding CPR and AED education in schools, and with his birthday coming up on September 7, leaders are still working to make a difference.

On Montrile’s birthday, his mother, Stephanie Rouse, will be standing alongside Columbia County leaders who will read a proclamation recognizing his birthday as Childhood Cardiac Arrest Awareness Day. The city of Grovetown has already declared September 7 as Monty Rouse Jr. Day.

Georgia State Representative Gary Richardson will be there as well to read a resolution honoring Monty’s life and memory.

Last year, Stephanie stood alongside Georgia Governor Brian Kemp as he signed House Bill 874, which requires an AED in all schools, but also outlines how schools need to have an emergency action plan surrounding cardiac arrests and practice drills.

She says this is all being done because of the impact Monty’s story has had.

“That makes me feel good to know this is just as important to them as it is to me. Montrile’s life was meaningful, and what happened to him has made it a big impact, and we know that this can happen to children of all ages,” said Stephanie.

Next weekend, the community will be able to come out to Gateway Park in Grovetown for the reading of the resolution and a balloon release.

The American Heart Association will also be there doing CPR demonstrations, so the community can learn.

This is taking place on September 7 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Gateway Park, and is open to everyone.

If you would like to donate to the American Heart Association, you can click here.

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