Keita Bates-Diop and Family Have Raised Over $15,000 to Try And Put an AED In Every School

By David Wertheim on January 28, 2018 at 1:34 pm
Kai Bates-Diop
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Keita Bates-Diop is having a tremendous season for Ohio State so far, averaging 20 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, while leading the Buckeyes to a top-15 ranking.

During his four years at Ohio State, it has been a struggle both on and off the court for Bates-Diop. Last year, of course, he suffered an injury which kept him out for most of the season.

Off the court, however, it was a much bigger struggle: he almost lost his brother due to a heart attack suffered on the court during a practice.

Due to an OSU athletic training intern's quick thinking, Kai Bates-Diop was saved thanks to the help of an automated external defibrillator (AED). An AED helps diagnose life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, and is able to treat them with the application of electricity which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm.

Keita was granted leave from the program, and missed a few games to return to Illinois and be with his family.

The Bates-Diop's have raised over $15,000 so far. They filmed a PSA back in October. 

Donations can be mailed to: AEDs, c/o University High School, 500 W. Gregory, Campus Box 7100, Normal, IL 61790-7100.

 

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