Epworth LeSourd
United Methodist Church
Tacoma, Washington

Feature:
Friday Night Cookouts

5:30-6:30 p.m.
on the church lawn,
all welcome

Features Archive

On a bright and sunny Saturday afternoon, July 28, music, dance, memories, short talks and education came together outdoors at ELUMC in a fitting tribute and remembrance to the life of 14-year-old Keaundri "Kiki" McBride, daughter of members Tamela and Tim McBride and sister of LaShonna, Timieka, Shannett and Nicki. The day was climaxed with the unveiling of a beautifully done 8 ft. by 16 ft. mural of Kiki, mounted on the north side of the church building, above the parking lot/basketball court.

Kiki's life was taken suddenly on November 15, 2005, during basketball turnouts at Foss High School, from an undiagnosed heart condition on the same day that she had had her sports physical, which did not disclose her heart condition.

The mission of this event was to educate parents on hidden heart conditions and to create a safe place for children and youth to play basketball, one of Kiki's favorite sports.

The more than 200 visitors were thrilled by a variety of songs by Seattle's Total Experience Gospel Choir, directed by their nationally recognized pastor, Pat Wright. The choir and their outstanding soloists opened the program. Tamela spoke of the mission of the day, and outlined the importance of having more comprehensive physicals to include cardiac screening (EKG) for the athletes. She said Kiki's condition would have only been disclosed by an echocardiogram. She also presented a plea for defibrillators to be on-site in every school, accessible when needed, and with coaches and others trained in their use. She feels the loss of Kiki may have been prevented through an appropriate physical or the availability of a defibrillator at the emergency.

Mary Jo Gordon, nurse, emergency medical technician and founder of Cardiac Arrhythmias Research and Education Foundation, Seattle, told how she had lost a sister to a similar condition and is making her life work teaching and training to save lives from cardiac malfunctions. She also gave 30-minute classes in CPR, which were taken by two or more ELUMC members.

Dr. Jack Salerno, pediatric cardiologist at Children's Hospital, Seattle, also emphasized in his talk to the assembled visitors the importance of greater in-depth heart tests for young athletes. He mentioned the cost as the down-side of requiring more tests. He indicated an echocardiogram, together with the reading of it would cost $35-$50.

Concluding the on-stage program, Jeff Voyt of Cardiac Science, presented the gathered McBride family a defibrillator, with the suggestion they donate it in their name to a school of their choice.

Dance groups from Tacoma's DASH studio entertained visitors with three age-grouped dancers performing on the basketball court. They were followed with dances by a junior Seattle Storm dance group. Free basketball play on the new court, followed by a drawing for a number of door prizes concluded the afternoon.

Adding interest to the visitors were booths for Heart Art Street Chalk Contest, face painting, soft drinks, raffle, and a food vendor.

This educational event was well and widely publicized. Kathleen Merryman's column in the Tacoma News Tribune related the entire story. On the day before and the day of, KING 5 TV, carried the story in every newscast. KING's Tricia Manning Smith and her photographer were on site for about three hours on Saturday. The story was also broadcast on Northwest Cable News Channel 2 in Portland. Jamie Forsythe, managing editor of the Tacoma Weekly, was also on site for a story in this week's edition.

An event of this magnitude was made possible only with significant support and generous donations from many people and agencies. Original funds came from United Way of Tacoma and a benefit basketball event at the Tacoma Dome in December, coordinated by Randy Novak and Zumma Media. Additional funding was from the Leno Gentili Memorial Fund of Epworth LeSourd. Generous financial and personnel support came from Tacoma's Child and Family Guidance Center. Other major contributors included AA Party Rentals who donated the stage, Carlson Audio of Seattle, sound system; Party World, supplies; Minuteman Press, printing; Tucci and Sons, asphalt; Evergreen Excavators, paving, Rainbow Play Equipment, Algona WA, basketball goal; Coca Cola, Walmart, gifts from ELUMC members; friends who gave the time necessary to promote, set up and take down the event.

The Kiki McBride Memorial Basketball Court is not only an addition to the church, it is a gift to the community's children and youth who have a safe and quality place for playing basketball in the central city.