Students, faculty, and staff at Padre Pio Academy now have access to an important lifesaving resource thanks to a partnership between ZOLL Cardiac Management Solutions, Community West Foundation, and Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital.
As part of the 2025–2026 Straight from the Heart Campaign, ZOLL donated a ZOLL AED Plus to be placed at a local organization where it could make the greatest impact. Padre Pio Academy, which serves approximately 90 students, was identified as an ideal fit for the device and plans to add the AED to their First Aid and emergency response supplies.
An Automated External Defibrillator, or AED, is a portable device that helps someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. The AED checks the person’s heart rhythm and, if needed, delivers a shock to help restore a normal heartbeat. The devices are designed to be simple to use and provide step-by-step voice instructions during an emergency.
For more than 22 years, the Straight from the Heart Campaign has supported cardiovascular services and heart health initiatives at Cleveland Clinic Avon, Fairview, and Lutheran Hospitals, along with programs and services benefiting surrounding communities.
Christine Joyce, Headmistress at Padre Pio Academy, shared, “We are incredibly grateful for this generous donation and the care shown to our school community. Knowing our students, faculty, staff, and visitors now have access to this lifesaving device brings an added sense of safety and peace of mind to our campus.”
This donation reflects a shared commitment to community health, safety, and emergency preparedness. By placing the AED at Padre Pio Academy, the school community now has immediate access to critical support in the event of a cardiac emergency.
For more information, visit HeartRaffle.org.
Featured in image from left to right:
Kristen Ibanez, Administrator, Padre Pio Academy
Katie Butler, Development Director, Padre Pio Academy
Christine Joyce, Headmistress, Padre Pio Academy
Thomas LaMarca, Nursing Director | Peri-Op, Cardiology, Oncology, & Ambulatory Services, Cleveland Clinic
Meg Leneghan, Manager, Cardiac Rehab, Cleveland Clinic
Tim Jones, Territory Manager, Cardiac Management Solutions and Donor of the AED, ZOLL
Patrick Andrews, Dean/Trustee and Head of School Safety, Padre Pio Academy
Dr. Neil Smith, President, West Submarket and Fairview Hospital, Cleveland Clinic
Caroline Woznicki, Marketing & Events Manager, Community West Foundation
Marty Uhle, President & CEO, Community West Foundation
Nora Peralta, President of the Board, Padre Pio Academy