Holy Redeemer CFO Russ Wagner (background), Pa. Rep. Brendan Boyle and SYO leader Fran Young celebrate the donation of a defibrillator to the organization with some of its young athletes. Photo/Holy Redeemer Health Network

The Somerton Youth Organization Tuesday received a welcomed donation from the Holy Redeemer Health System – an automated external defibrillator.

“Northeast Philadelphia is an important part of Holy Redeemer’s community,” said Holy Redeemer CFO and Somerton resident Russ Wagner in press statement.  “It made perfect sense to us that we should provide this lifesaving device to Somerton Youth Organization, which provides healthy options — like team sports — for children and families.”

The immediate use of an AED in a cardiac arrest patient can drastically increase the person’s chance of revival and survival. The SYO offers baseball, softball, football, basketball, soccer and cheerleading.