Today’s stop brought us to the Residence at Grand Mesa in Grand Junction, Colorado, where we had the privilege of conducting a CPR class for 12 dedicated employees. These caregivers play such an important role in their community, and equipping them with life-saving skills adds another layer of care and protection for the residents they serve.

To further enhance their readiness, we donated an AED to the facility, ensuring they have the tools necessary to respond swiftly in an emergency.

It’s always inspiring to see people so eager to learn and prepare to make a difference. Onward to the next destination—this journey of saving lives continues!
 

Today’s journey led us to the breathtaking landscapes of Moab, Utah. The highlight of the day was donating an AED to Raven’s Rim Zip Line Adventure Tours, ensuring their team is equipped to handle emergencies while offering thrilling experiences to visitors. Safety and adventure go hand in hand, and I’m proud to contribute to their mission.

The day took an unexpected and exciting turn when we held an impromptu CPR training session at a popular overlook in Arches National Park. What started as a small class quickly grew as curious onlookers gathered to watch and learn. Seeing how many people were eager to gain life-saving skills in such a stunning setting was incredible.

Moab’s mix of natural beauty and community spirit made this stop unforgettable. Onward to the next destination—stay tuned as the journey continues!
 

Today’s journey took us to Wells, Nevada, where we made a meaningful impact at a local community center dedicated to youth aged 17 and under. I was thrilled to donate an AED to this vital hub, ensuring that the young people in this community have an extra layer of safety during their activities.

During our visit, we also discussed an AED currently locked away for the winter at the local golf pro shop. We advised the team that the AED would be far more effective if stored in someone’s home during the offseason—accessibility is key in emergencies!

After a lot of driving, I’m especially grateful to have Bob along for the ride. Not only is he great company, but he’s also a much better photographer than me! Stay tuned for more updates tomorrow as this adventure continues.

That’s a wrap for Nevada—on to the next stop!

Today brought me to Boise, Idaho, where I had the privilege of working with the Boys and Girls Club of Ada County. A big thank you to RescueStat for organizing this impactful class! It’s always inspiring to see communities coming together to prioritize safety and preparedness.

During the session, we donated an AED to support their newest facility, a place where kids and young adults gather regularly. This donation ensures that they’ll have life-saving equipment readily accessible in case of emergencies—a vital step in creating a safer environment for everyone.

As the day winds down, I’m looking forward to spending some quality time with a good friend who moved out to Boise a few years ago.

Looking Ahead: Tomorrow, I’m picking up another friend at the Boise Airport around 12:30 PM who’s joining me on the road for a few days. We’ll be heading to Elko, Nevada, for Friday’s class. Stay tuned—I’ll also be posting a video soon to share more about this incredible journey!
 

The day began in the small town of Little America, Wyoming, as I made my way to Evanston for an important mission. Today’s stop was at a local middle school that already had one AED but was in need of another for the rear of the building near the weightlifting room and coaches’ area. This is also the space where kids practice and play outdoors—a critical area to ensure quick access to life-saving equipment.

We donated an AED to fill this gap and worked with the school to incorporate it into their Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP). Coaches and teachers received training on how to use the AED and execute the plan effectively during practices and games. Their existing AEDs are well-maintained by the school nurse, and this addition will provide even more comprehensive coverage.

After a rewarding day, I hit the road again and arrived in Boise, Idaho, where the temperatures were just above freezing—perfect for giving my truck a much-needed clean-up!

Next up: a CPR training session at the Boys and Girls Club in Boise, from 12 to 2 PM tomorrow. Stay tuned for the update—it’ll be coming right after class. Rest assured, CPR Bill is safe, sound, and ready for Day 10!

Today began in Sturgis, South Dakota, where I had an important conversation with the local school superintendent. We discussed a critical issue: the rural schools in this area, 30-40 minutes away from EMS response, do not have AEDs. While these schools may have only a few students each, every life is precious, and no one should be without access to life-saving equipment.

In a major step forward, the superintendent agreed to implement a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) and conduct annual training for staff and students. To support this effort, the Peyton Walker Foundation is providing a template to help them build and execute their plan effectively.

This commitment marks a significant milestone in creating safer schools in rural communities. Small steps like these pave the way for lasting change and, most importantly, the chance to save lives.

The journey continues tomorrow—stay tuned for the next chapter!

Today’s stop brought me to Fort Frenzy in Fort Dodge, Iowa, a hub of activity and community spirit. I started by training the dedicated staff, equipping them with essential CPR skills and life-saving knowledge. But the day didn’t stop there—next up were local families eager to learn how to protect their loved ones.

The enthusiasm in the room was contagious. Each participant was not only engaged but deeply appreciative of the opportunity to gain these critical skills. Moments like this remind me how impactful this journey is—one community, one class, one life saved at a time.

With gratitude fueling the drive, it’s time to pack up and hit the road again. Day 8 awaits—stay tuned for the next adventure!

Sometimes, the journey calls for a little rest, and today started with a rare treat—sleeping in! With my next stop just 3.5 hours away, I took my time heading to Lanesboro, Minnesota. Upon arrival, we set up the equipment early and dove into a meaningful conversation about the challenges of living in a rural area with slow EMS response times. In this community, a 25-minute wait for emergency services is all too common, making preparedness absolutely critical.

The class was held at a local church that’s already home to many trained professionals who regularly attend. Special thanks to Cheri Olson, a true champion for SCA awareness and prevention, for her tireless efforts in building heart-safe communities throughout the region.

Tonight’s class had 19 participants, each eager to learn and make a difference. One attendee’s words after the class really struck me: “Every person in the United States should attend this class.” It’s moments like these that fuel my passion and reinforce the importance of what we’re doing.

It’s late, and the road ahead calls. Next stop: Iowa for Day 7. Stay tuned!

With 55° weather and clear skies, today started with a bit of maintenance—I took the chance to clean and organize my truck. After all, I’ve got to keep my whip looking sharp as I roll through each state! The morning also gave me time to catch up on emails and enjoy an early lunch before tonight’s class.

This evening, I held a CPR class at a local ice rink). Six dedicated participants joined the class, but the reach extended far beyond the classroom. Parents watching their kids on the ice couldn’t help but tune in, learning life-saving skills from the sidelines.

The highlight of the day? Donating an AED to the rink ensures they have sufficient emergency coverage as they expand their facilities. Leaving behind tools that can make a lasting difference is always fulfilling.

A big shoutout to my good friends Maddie and Erica, who are amazing advocates for heart health here in Madison, and to my great friend Ed Kosiec for connecting me with them.

With Day 5 wrapped up, it’s time to head to Minnesota tomorrow. Stay tuned—this journey is just heating up!

Today’s stop was a truly special one—Parent University Chicago welcomed us for a CPR class entirely in Spanish! With the help of my incredible friend and SCA survivor Sonia Perez-Morales, along with Maya from Illinois Heart, we created an empowering experience for the participants. Both Sonia and Maya, fluent in Spanish, were key to making this training accessible to a group that might not otherwise have had the opportunity.

The impact was palpable—every participant left feeling empowered, grateful, and ready to save lives. This class was more than just training; it was a statement. We must work together to end the unacceptable loss of 1,200 lives daily to Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). Language should never be a barrier to life-saving knowledge.

The session flew by, but the ripple effect of this training will resonate for years to come. With the truck packed, I’m now headed to Madison, Wisconsin.
 
Stay tuned for Day 5—this journey is just getting started!

Today’s class brought us to Fitness Plus in LaPorte, Indiana, where 15 eager students gathered to learn CPR and life-saving skills. The welcoming atmosphere created by the gym’s owner made this training session both enjoyable and impactful. Fitness Plus has been equipped with a Rescuer Ready AED since its inception, underscoring its commitment to safety and preparedness.

A special thanks to Sue Chlebek, a Sudden Cardiac Arrest survivor, for organizing this session. Sue’s story is a powerful reminder of why our mission is so vital.

In LaPorte, the In Motion Dance Company received an AED, helping to spread awareness and preparedness even further.

Next up: Chicago, Illinois—the journey continues!

Next stop: Solon, Ohio! I had the privilege of teaching a CPR class at Preston’s office, where a dedicated group came together to learn life-saving skills. The session was filled with enthusiasm and meaningful conversations about the importance of being prepared to respond in an emergency.

It was great seeing the excitement and determination in the room as participants gained the confidence to make a difference.

Onward to the next state—let’s keep the momentum going!

The journey kicked off at the Foundation Office with energy and excitement! Our first destination was Armstrong Indoor Athletics in Kittanning, PA, where I connected with Tyler Woodside and the incredible team at the Run with Heart Foundation. This inspiring group, started by Lauren and Andy after heroically saving a fellow runner’s life, brought passion and dedication to our CPR class.

The highlight of the day? Presenting the owners of Armstrong Indoor Athletics with two brand-new AEDs—a game-changer for their community! Their contagious excitement set the tone for an unforgettable road trip ahead.

Stay tuned as the journey unfolds across 19 more states—sharing skills, saving lives, and empowering communities!