Official Perspective
My Story
“Founded to honor me, my foundation, The Zac Mago Foundation, is a nonprofit organization working toward bringing awareness, education, and prevention to conditions that cause Sudden Cardiac Arrest in youth and teens like me.”
I had a heart screening in 2014, four years before I died. Had my parents known to screen me again, I’d probably have had one every six months because, well, my mom is just that way.
A stethoscope found what they thought was a heart murmur one time. I had countless physicals, well checks, and care for ankle injuries after my heart screening, and it never found any other reason to be concerned. If it were sufficient, my story might be different.
"I try to challenge myself in many aspects. I am independent and I strive hard to achieve my goals in life."
-ZAC MAGO
My Sibs, Mom, and Dad
Jillian is the big sis no brother wants until she became cool like me. It took me a while to get her there, but I had goals! At first, Matthew was just my annoying little brother. Then the day came when he was my little bro. He was the best little bro.
My mom and dad are the greatest. I learned from each of them. Being humble, kind, and treating others as you wish to be treated was how they raised me and my sibs.
Jillian, me and Matthew
“Not to brag, but I was the child with the most potential. All this came about on a vacation while flying Southwest Airlines. The flight attendant said, ‘Attach your oxygen mask first and then your child with the most potential and work your way down!’ I quickly said, ‘Whelp, that’s me!’”
“My dad was my practice partner on the court, and off the court, we had a close relationship. He loved watching me play…”
“My mom owns the company that I was going to take over after college. She had complete faith in me, and I knew it.”
“Sudden Cardiac Arrest took my life while I was taking a nap on the afternoon of July 5, 2018. I was one week shy of my 18th birthday. I studied hard, trained hard, played hard, and napped just as hard. I was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, and a friend to everyone.”
Because God had other plans, my parents, along with some of the people I loved most in life, did a kick-ass job 5aving other teens. I’m super proud.
MOM LIKED ME IN THE COLOR RED…CAN YOU TELL?
Memories
Before and After
Community Partners
