My Story

A young girl in a hospital bed, smiling, with striped pajama pants and fluffy slippers, in a black and white photo.

 At eight years old, I was a healthy child, but on December 26th, 2014, my life changed when I underwent emergency surgery for septic arthritis. Left with a lasting heart condition, I became an advocate for heart health at a young age. Through my research, I discovered that sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death on school campuses in the United States. This motivated me to found P.U.L.S.E. in 2023, with the mission to change that statistic.

As the founder and manager of P.U.L.S.E., a 501(c)(3) organization, I expanded our initiative nationally, partnering with global organizations and leading a team of ambassadors. My journey took me to Portland, Oregon, for Parent Heart Watch’s 20th Heart to Heart Conference, where I learned from doctors, survivors, and parents dedicated to preventing Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). The conference also provided invaluable networking opportunities, allowing me to strengthen P.U.L.S.E.’s national partnerships and impact.

I have also assisted with a mass demonstration at the National CPR and AED Awareness Rally in Washington, D.C., raising awareness about lifesaving AED and CPR practices. Additionally, I authored AED Adventures with Amy, a children’s book teaching the Call-Push-Shock protocol, with all proceeds supporting AED donations, CPR training, and education initiatives.





A woman wearing a crown and sash that says Miss America 2023 practicing CPR on a training dummy in a classroom setting. The dummy is lying on the floor, and the woman is performing chest compressions with one hand. There are chairs, tables, and training equipment in the background.

P.U.L.S.E.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness

Through P.U.L.S.E.'s (Prevention, Understanding, and Lifesaving Education) 501(c)(3) partnerships with national organizations Parent Heart Watch and Every Second Counts CPR, we are increasing education and awareness on preventing sudden cardiac arrest. Together, we are actively working to promote lifesaving legislation while also fundraising to provide AEDs and CPR training.

P.U.L.S.E. is proud to launch the P.U.L.S.E. Ambassador Program, inviting teenagers and young adults to take on leadership roles and gain service hours. Ambassadors engage in hands-on leadership, encouraging them to promote heart health on their campuses. The program is open to students ages 15-25. Ambassadors meet via Zoom each month and are given quarterly challenges to complete.

To become an ambassador, fill out the application below. We also welcome referrals for the P.U.L.S.E. Ambassador Program—new members are accepted quarterly.

A woman with blonde hair, wearing makeup and jewelry, is holding a red and white booklet titled 'AED Adventures with Amy,' featuring an illustration of a girl with blonde hair and a pink AED device, outdoors during sunset with trees in the background.

Purchase for P.U.L.S.E.

This book, written by Madeline Pitre, aims to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest and support P.U.L.S.E. initiatives. Every purchase of P.U.L.S.E. merchandise and "AED Adventures with Amy" directly funds AED installations, CPR training, and SCA prevention efforts. Your support helps save lives and educates communities.

Group of people gathered outdoors holding signs promoting CPR awareness and life-saving skills, with a large government building and green trees in the background.

Get Involved

Join the P.U.L.S.E. Ambassadors for a hands-on leadership experience! Open to students ages 15-25, this position encourages initiative on your campus. Ambassadors meet monthly on Zoom, complete quarterly challenges, and earn community service hours. Additional leadership opportunities are available upon request. To apply or refer a student, see the link below. New members accepted quarterly.

Group of young adults standing in front of a blackboard, some wearing casual t-shirts with Saint Michael Baseball and Football logos, and one person holding a yellow AED (Automated External Defibrillator) device.

Donate

As an official partner of Parent Heart Watch and Every Second Counts CPR , your donations play a crucial role in funding heart screenings and sudden cardiac arrest prevention efforts across Alabama and beyond. By contributing, you help provide vital resources, ensure access to lifesaving equipment, and support educational programs that empower communities to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies.

“Your generosity makes a transformative impact in protecting lives and promoting heart health. Every dollar you give helps place lifesaving AEDs in schools and communities that need them most. Your support empowers students, families, and first responders to act confidently in cardiac emergencies through CPR and AED training. Together, we can turn awareness into action! ”
— Madeline Pitre
A woman with blonde hair in a pink, sparkly evening gown holds a mannequin head with a closed mouth and facial features. The woman wears a tiara and earrings, and smiles at the camera against a plain white background.
Three people standing in front of the U.S. Capitol building holding a sign that says 'GPP AND SONFIRE'. All are wearing white t-shirts supporting a cause, and they are smiling on a sunny day.
A woman with long blonde hair wearing a white sleeveless dress and large pearl earrings, smiling while holding a colorful booklet about AED adventures for kids in a green outdoor setting during sunset.

Partners