New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso (R-Massapequa Park) announced that he will be introducing “Connor’s Law,” his bill requiring yearly cardiac fitness certificates, including an electrocardiogram or an echocardiogram as part of the mandatory sports physical for interscholastic athletes in public schools.
This past November, the Massapequa community was rocked by the sudden death of Connor Kasin. Connor was a seemingly healthy 17-year-old Massapequa High School student athlete who was playing a charity hockey game when he suffered a medical emergency on the ice. Unfortunately, Connor later passed away. Durso said “Connor’s Law” was introduced to take preventative steps to safeguard the health and wellness of young athletes.
“I want to thank the Kasin family for allowing me this opportunity to honor their son, Connor, by bringing awareness to heart health in young athletes and ensuring the safety and well-being of our children with this important piece of legislation,” Durso said. “It is critical that our student athletes receive an EKG or echocardiogram as part of their pre-participation physical exam each year in order to detect any potentially dangerous conditions that put young athletes at risk.”
“This legislation is a vital step toward protecting the lives of student athletes by promoting early detection of underlying heart conditions,” Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino added. “The heartbreaking loss of Connor Kasin reminds us how precious and fragile life is. By taking action now, we can help ensure that no other family has to endure such a devastating tragedy.”