In a heartwarming display of generosity, Ernie Withers, a valued member of the Hernando de Soto Historical Society and the founder of the Defibrillate Manatee Foundation, has donated two Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to the Hernando de Soto Historical Society and Crewe of de Soto. This donation is a powerful reminder of how one person’s life-changing experience can lead to meaningful change for others.
Ernie’s commitment to saving lives comes from his own personal experience with sudden cardiac arrest. In February of 2023, while attending a Pittsburgh Pirates spring training game, Ernie collapsed unexpectedly. Thanks to the quick actions of the Pirates’ Medical Director, who used an AED to revive him, Ernie’s life was saved. Reflecting on this, Ernie shared, “After my sudden cardiac arrest, I knew I needed to give back to our community.” Since that day, he has worked tirelessly through the Defibrillate Manatee Foundation to provide AEDs to schools, law enforcement agencies, and nonprofit organizations in our community.
The Hernando de Soto Historical Society is proud to support Ernie’s mission. Last year, our organization donated $5,000 to the Defibrillate Manatee Foundation, helping to further its goal of making CPR training and AEDs more accessible to those who need them. In addition, Ernie has extended an offer to our members to receive CPR training, an invaluable skill that can make all the difference in an emergency.
If you would like to support this important cause, tax-deductible donations can be made through the Manatee Community Foundation’s website by visiting http://manateecf.org and selecting ‘Defibrillate Manatee’.
Ernie’s generosity and commitment to his community are inspiring, and we are honored to be part of his life-saving work. Through his actions, he continues to show that one person’s effort can truly make a difference. #helpingsavelives
