Our Impact

In partnership with "In A Heartbeat", we proudly host the annual “EKGs for Eli” heart screening event at Windsor High School. Over the past two years, more than 200 student-athletes have received potentially lifesaving heart screenings through this initiative, with over 100 students screened at each of our first two events.

These screenings provide families with access to preventative cardiac evaluations that can help detect hidden heart conditions before tragedy strikes. What began as a way to honor Eli’s legacy has already grown into a movement focused on awareness, prevention, and saving lives within our community.

‘EKGs for Eli': New program for student athletes stemming from Windsor football tragedyIt’s been one year since Windsor Football player Elijah Jay Mariano Rivera collapsed and died during a Windsor High School football practice.

Free cardiac screening event planned in honor of Windsor High School studentHundreds of Connecticut kids will have the opportunity to get a potentially life-saving cardiac test on November 19th. It’s part of an event to honor a Windsor High School football player who died from sudden cardiac death.

Turning Tragedy Into Change

How Eli's story is helping drive awareness, advocacy, and lifesaving action across Connecticut.

In 2026, the State of Connecticut approved funding to support the purchase, installation, and maintenance of AEDs in schools and public buildings. During this interview, Always 65 Foundation founder Jay Rivera shares Eli's story, discusses the importance of cardiac emergency preparedness, and explains why awareness, training, and early detection remain critical in protecting young athletes. This work represents an important step forward—but our mission continues until every child has access to the protections they deserve.

‘If we can save one life, our job is done' | Defibrillators in CT schools gets fundingA lifesaving tool that can restart someone’s heart when it stops beating has been required by law to be in Connecticut schools for almost two decades, but there hasn’t been funding for it.

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