Every year, young athletes die suddenly from heart conditions like Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)—many of which go undetected or are tragically misunderstood. 

My son, Anthony Bonner, was one of them. 

While Anthony was diagnosed with HCM last year, he was released back to his normal life indicating this condition did not pose a threat. We trusted the information we were given. He lived a full, active life doing the things he loved—lifting weights, playing basketball, and working hard after graduating college. In March 2025, at just 24 years old, he collapsed and died in the ER. We had no idea how dangerous HCM could truly be.

Although Anthony was no longer a student at the time of his passing, he played sports his whole life and never received the proper testing to catch this genetic disorder during the required sports physicals.  We can’t bring Anthony back—but we can protect others.

HCM is a leading cause of sudden cardiac death, especially in young people and athletes.  The most common cause of death on school campuses is Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

I’m calling on Georgia lawmakers and the Department of Education to:

✅ Allow parents to opt-in for ECG heart screenings for all students
✅ Provide clear, evidence-based education to families following an HCM diagnosis
✅ Train coaches and school staff to recognize signs of cardiac risk
✅ Fund access to screenings and follow-up care for all students, regardless of income

In addition, I am personally pledging to fund the placement of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in a Columbus park.  My intention is to begin fundraising efforts to have another AED placed in the near future.

Please sign and share this petition to help prevent more heartbreak. Early detection and honest guidance can save lives.

**If you feel led to donate, please make donations to Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association or the American Heart Association.  Or wait for our fundraising to begin.  Please do not donate here. Thank you.