"My story isn't an ordinary one. Despite being born with an enlarged heart, doctors cleared me to participate in my personal passion—basketball. I played throughout high school, was an all-conference player at Appalachian State University, and then continued playing globally. On July 9, 2013 my professional basketball career ended dramatically during a pro-am game at the Grady Cole Center in Charlotte. To put it simply, I died.

I experienced sudden cardiac arrest. I was unconscious, receiving CPR for 13 minutes until an emergency transport arrived. I was transferred to a hospital and placed on life support in a medically-induced coma. Statistics show that 90% of people, like me, who suffer from sudden cardiac arrest do not survive. I was in the lucky 10% because a cardiac ICU nurse was nearby. Most victims are not so fortunate. Nearly a decade later, it's still impossible to articulate how this incident changed the trajectory of my life. I'm honored ESPN recently spotlighted my journey. Thanks to top medical care, I beat tremendous odds for a second chance at life and found a new purpose. Today, I am the proud founder of the Omar Carter Foundation, and I'm on a mission to advocate, empower, and serve my community through: 

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Education

Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

Education Donation of AEDs

Cardiovascular (CV) Screenings 

The foundation teaches young athletes, adults, and their families to be better prepared for sudden cardiac arrest. We collaborate with various athletic teams, youth organizations, and youth centers to raise awareness of cardiovascular health. We provide wellness guidance to help young people set out on a path for a healthier and more active lifestyle. Our free cardiovascular screenings help reveal previously unknown high-risk cardiovascular conditions. Our CPR educational trainings are fun, engaging, and easy to learn for a young audience. My personal goal is to teach 1 million young people CPR, which, when administered correctly, is proven to significantly increase a victim's chance of sudden cardiac arrest survival. CPR saved me."

- Omar Carter

How can you help?

I’m asking for your sponsorship of the foundation’s annual fundraiser, the Heart of Gold Gala, which will take place on Saturday, October 14 in Uptown Charlotte. There are several ways to be involved with the foundation including:

Become an annual sponsor

Purchase a table at the Gala

Donate an in-kind service to the Gala

Donate an item to the silent auction

Enclosed are more details about the Heart of Gold Gala and our annual sponsorships. Please contact me if you have any questions. Thank you for helping us impact and change lives.