Knights of Columbus members get CPR lesson at Blessed Sacrament

Kerry Boring became an advocate for teaching CPR and training people how to use automated external defibrillators after her father died in Blessed Sacrament Church in Valley Steam in 2015. She and volunteer Tom Avallone held a CPR training session at the church on May 9 for members of the Knights of Columbus.

“One thing many people don't know about AEDs are how easy it is to use,” Boring said. “My 10-year-old does it to show how easy it can be.” This was also the first instructional class that Boring's mother, Gayle Andresen, attended. She became inspired by Boring’s efforts and told her that she would like to become certified.

Boring's mission is to raise money for local churches in the area to purchase AEDs. The fundraisers held last year raised $13,000. Boring has raised $5,000 so far this year, but hopes to raise more in the coming months. The fundraisers have allowed 12 local churches in the area to be equipped with the lifesaving machine.

Boring said she has been contacting local churches on Long Island to set up more instructional classes.

For more information about CPR or AED classes, or to find out how you can donate to the cause, email Boring at kboring2@verizon.net. Certification classes are also held at the American Heart Association. Visit www.heart.org to find local classes in your area.