HeartGuard: Protecting the Lives of Young Athletes in Macedonia

The HeartGuard project, initiated by the Marko Bozhinovski Foundation, is an emotional initiative dedicated to preventing tragic and sudden deaths of young athletes due to heart problems. The project aims to raise funds to provide heart rate monitors for young athletes in Macedonia, which can help in the early detection of potential heart issues and timely prevention.

The Foundation was established in memory of Marko Bozhinovski, a talented athlete who passed away from sudden cardiac arrest in 2021. The grief over his loss inspired his parents, Riste and Aleksandra Bozhinovski, to take action to protect the health and lives of other young athletes in the country.

The Problem:
In recent years, both in the region and in Macedonia, there has been an alarming increase in the number of young athletes who have died from heart attacks, often without any prior health issues. These unexpected losses leave a deep mark on their families, friends, colleagues, communities, and the sports world.

It is often said that all of these athletes were in peak physical condition, fully dedicated to their sports, before the tragedy occurred. The absence of any obvious warning signs makes these tragedies even more devastating, which is why urgent action and prevention are needed to save young lives.

The Solution: Heart Rate Monitors for Young Athletes
To address this critical issue, the HeartGuard project aims to equip clubs with heart rate monitors for athletes, also known as electrocardiogram (ECG) devices. These monitors can detect irregular heart rhythms and provide early warnings of potential heart problems. By regularly monitoring the athletes’ heart health during training and competitions, any abnormalities can be identified promptly, allowing for quick intervention and potentially preventing sudden cardiac events and tragic outcomes.

Our Goals:

Fundraising: Secure funds to purchase and fairly distribute heart rate monitors to young athletes across Macedonia.

Awareness: Raise awareness among athletes, coaches, parents, and the sports community about the importance of monitoring young athletes’ heart health.

Collaboration: Work with medical professionals and experts to ensure accurate and timely ECG data analysis.

Partnerships: Establish partnerships with sports clubs, organizations, and government bodies to implement heart health programs in sports institutions.

Education: Provide educational resources to recognize heart-related symptoms and take appropriate actions in case of urgency.

Honoring Marko: Remember Marko and all other young athletes who lost their lives due to heart or other health problems, while preventing future tragedies.

The HeartGuard project is not just about saving young lives—it is a tribute to Marko Bozhinovski. The tragedy imposed a responsibility on his parents, Riste and Aleksandra, to prevent other families from experiencing the unbearable pain of losing a child to sudden cardiac arrest.

By supporting this initiative, donors contribute to prevention and care for the health of future athletes in Macedonia. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that young athletes can safely and securely pursue their dreams, knowing their heart health is protected.