Anthony Bates Foundation

Anthony Bates was 20 years old when he died from undiagnosed Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, HCM. Anthony, an only child, was an honor student, an Eagle Scout, and a Division I college football player at Kansas State University. Anthony starting playing football when he was nine years old. He played other sports throughout his youth including baseball, soccer, wrestling, but football was his true love.
Each year he was required to have a «pre-​participation sports physical.» Heart examinations were not part of this annual process. Anthony’s HCM might have been detected when he had an EKG in conjunction with surgery on his finger, but there no detection of his heart problem then either. Though EKGs are required in surgery, 10% of people with HCM have normal EKGs. Apparently, Anthony must have been in that 10%. Young, strong and a dedicated athlete, Anthony never complained of any symptoms. Sadly, his perfect health was an illusion.