After enduring the terrifying ordeal with their son, Shareef, Shaunie is now on a “mission” to help other Mothers of young athletes:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BtgjdjaHn78/
“As a mother of athletes I am educating myself on heart disease everyday. I will make it my mission to help educate others and bring awareness to the importance of youth athlete screening. @shareefoneal you are one of the strongest young men I know! I’m blessed to be your mom! #healthyhearts #americanhearthealthmonth #prevention #heartdisease #Ilovemy5Heartbeats”
The National Center of Biotechnology Information reports that young athletes are at higher risk of succumbing to sudden cardiac ailments, and it’s even higher for young, Black male athletes:
Via NCBI: Sudden cardiac death is the most common medical cause of death in athletes, with an incidence of around 1 in 40,000 to 1 in 80,000 athletes per year according to the most recent estimates.
The risk and causes of sudden cardiac death vary based upon the athlete population. Male gender, black race, and basketball participation all place an athlete at higher risk. Sudden cardiac death in younger athletes [younger than 35 years] is commonly due to inherited cardiac conditions.
Wishing much success to Shareef O’Neal and rest of the O’Neal kids.
