My friend, this journey is not easy, but it is beautiful.

Let me quickly catch you up. It is a six hour drive to the state Capitol, and I have shown up at the House or Senate offices six times for Committee meetings with only 48 hours’ notice. I have stood in front of people that I do not know, and I have shared the worst day of my life with them, hoping they would hear – not only my words – but my heart as well.

Every Committee, three in the House and three in the Senate, unanimously voted in favor of this Bill. The full House voted unanimously in favor as well.

This week was the full Senate vote on the Zachary Martin Act, so I made the drive up there again. While I was aware that there wouldn’t be an opportunity for me to speak to the full Senate, I felt it was important for  me to be there in person. It took all day, but they finally got to our Bill.

The votes were FAVORABLE and UNANIMOUS yet again!

I am filled with gratitude that the Zachary Martin Act has passed in the Florida House and Senate with unanimous votes from our Legislators. The countless hours invested into the Zach Martin Foundation over the last two and a half years by people who believe in this mission, and the thousands who signed our petition on Change.org, the hard work, heart break, and small victories has finally culminated in legislation that protects our kids.

The Zachary Martin Act is focused solely on the safety and well-being of our kids in high school, a time when the life-long benefits of focus and dedication to academics and extra-curricular activities is emphasized daily. This legislation requires responsible programs and participation through education, being prepared, mandating a physical before participation in school athletics, preventing heat illness injuries, and knowing how to respond to Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Exertional Heat Stroke.

As two of the three main causes of sudden death in high school athletes, my hope is that the Zachary Martin Act eliminates them in Florida high schools.

Now, the Zachary Martin Act will be sent to the Governor’s office for his signature! I will be sure to continue updates as we learn more about that event, but it is not guaranteed that Governor DeSantis will sign it. However, he IS copied on this petition’s signatures…

This is where you have helped me tremendously - by signing and sharing the petition! (just copy and paste this link: https://www.change.org/AthleteSafety ) We have over 14,000 signatures today and I need to ask you to please share it a few more times on your social media pages, blogs, vlogs, Tik-Toks, and Snaps. Kids, teens, and adults, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins – we need ALL the signatures!

If you prefer to personally contact the Governor's office, the email is Ron.DeSantis@myflorida.com or if you would rather call, the office number is (850)488-7146. We are seeing firsthand how the voice of the people can be heard to benefit our families! 

Thank you for partnering with me to protect our kids!

To stay up-to-the-minute on progress and developments, please follow us!

• Twitter: @zachmfoundation
• FB: @zachmartinfoundation
• IG: @zachmartinmemorialfoundation 
• Website: www.BEHIP.life