AEDs for Athletes was founded after Zia Raukar’s teammate collapsed during a tournament, an experience that made clear how unprepared most young athletes are to respond to cardiac emergencies. Out of that moment grew the belief that youth shouldn’t have to wait for adults to have all the answers—we are capable of learning, acting, and leading when it matters most. Since then, AEDs for Athletes has grown into a youth-led nonprofit dedicated to creating a culture of preparedness. The organization has partnered with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) to create a national educational video, trained students, coaches, and community members in AED use, and worked to integrate preparedness into local health curricula. What began as one frightening incident has become a movement to equip athletes and their communities with the tools and confidence to save lives.