Mike Papale is the CEO & President of In A Heartbeat, a non-profit organization with a mission to prevent death from sudden cardiac arrest and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). As a survivor of sudden cardiac arrest at the age of 17, Mike was forced to pivot his dreams of playing collegiate basketball when he was told that he'd never be able to play competitive sports again. However, Mike was able to stay connected to the game he loves through coaching and by being a role model to his younger brother, who went on to play Division I at Boston University. Despite overcoming this traumatic event and learning to live with HCM, Mike experienced another major setback at age 25, when his implanted defibrillator became infected, resulting in emergency open-heart surgery. This was the final motivation that sparked Mike and his family to create a foundation to save lives and prevent other families from experiencing this trauma. Listen as Mike discusses his purpose in life and the incredible impact he's having on others throughout the country. 

 A summary of the episode by timestamps: 

• Intro and Story Behind the Foundation: 0:00 - 6:10. 
• Adjusting to Life with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: 6:10 - 9:10. 
• Basketball Coach Career Path: 9:10 - 13:15.    
• Driving Factor of Starting Non-Profit: 13:15 - 18:20. 
• Non-Profit Misconceptions: 18:20 - 21:05. 
• Long-term Goals & Current Projects: 21:05 -  28:20. 
• Motivational Speaking Career: 28:20 - 30:45. 
• Advice to Others: 30:45 - 38:40. 
• Quick Update on the Foundation: 38:40 - 39:57. 

 My Social:

• Instagram: @ProjectPassionPodcast_, @Cam_Fahey21 
• Twitter / Facebook: @ProjectPassion5
• Website: https://projectpassionpodcast.buzzsprout.com/

Mike's Social:

• Instagram / Facebook @InAHeartbeatFoundation 
• Website: http://inaheartbeat.org/
• Podcast: "A Big Heart Podcast" via Apple and Spotify