The Greenjackets, established in 1928, is the third oldest football team in the country, and a rich part of Glens Falls’ heritage and tradition. The team previously did not have access to this life-saving equipment, which will be used in the event of a medical emergency. One defibrillator will travel with the players to away games, and one will remain at East Field for the Greenjackets and Golden Eagles.
Dr. Jack Layden, cardiologist of Adirondack Cardiology Associates, was instrumental in facilitating the donation. He feels very strongly regarding the need to be proactive in avoiding sports-related deaths.
Dr. Layden states, “The amount of people who experience sudden death each year is 10 times the amount of deaths from breast cancer. By ensuring this equipment is available to our local athletes, we could save a life.”
The Greenjackets expressed their gratitude with the gift.
“We are so inspired by the generosity of ‘Doc’ Layden and the ACA team,” says Greenjackets president and alumni Hank Pelton. “We realized we needed to be more proactive when a player from Vermont recently died on the field. This equipment could have saved his life. We looked to raise money for it, but ‘Doc’ Layden stepped up and said they would find a way to support our efforts. Our team is thrilled, and we thank him from the bottom of our hearts.”
