Backus honors local couple for AED efforts
Print |
NORWICH - The William W. Backus Hospital presented its first-ever William A. Slater President's Award to Lawrence and Evelyn Pontbriant, a local couple who dedicated their lives to raising awareness and funding for automated external defibrillators (AEDs) following their son's death.The inaugural award, given to individuals or organizations that help Backus advance its mission to improve the health of eastern Connecticut, was presented to the Pontbriants on Wednesday at the hospital's Annual Meeting, held at Three Rivers Community College in Norwich.
Dave Whitehead, hospital President and Chief Executive Officer, presented the Pontbriants with a check for $10,000 to be contributed to the Larry Pontbriant Athletic Safety Fund, which was established in the name of their son after he died of cardiac arrest during a road race in Mohegan Park in the summer of 2007.
Lawrence Pontbriant, with his wife at his side, thanked Backus and other community partners for all that has been done since their son's tragic death, from legislation to education. Backus was among the first to step forward and create a plan and improve AED accessibility.
"What has been achieved in the past two years is due to the goodness of people throughout the region," he said, speaking to the crowd at the annual meeting. "Thank you very, very much."
The Pontbriants have been successful in getting legislation passed that provides civil immunity for people providing, maintaining or using AEDS and requiring them in schools. They have also raised thousands of dollars used to place AEDs where young athletes congregate and for training on how to use them.
"It is our hope that this donation, made in loving memory of Larry Pontbriant, will provide more AEDs in more places throughout the region - fostering our mutual mission to improve the health of eastern Connecticut," Whitehead said.
To view an audio slideshow about the Pontbriants' journey, or to learn more about Backus Hospital's highlights in 2009, visit its online annual report at www.backushospital.org/2009. The annual report, produced entirely online to make it more environmentally friendly and accessible, includes a number of videos, photo galleries and other multi-media presentations.