“ This is my 29th year , and I was a high school coach , and this is the first time it ’ s ever happened in my career ,” Perez said .
During both of Cirye ’ s medical emergencies , her vital signs were back to normal by the time first responders arrived . The reports the coaching staff downloaded from the AEDs wound up being an important tool doctors used to inform their diagnosis because they captured a snapshot of what was going on with Cirye ’ s heart during the episodes .
“ Thank goodness we had those because doctors performed an electrocardiogram , she was on a heart monitor for a week , and typically , the next step would be to do a stress test ,” Carpenter said . “ With Cirye , we know what will happen if they get her to that point because it would be catastrophic .”
Doctors diagnosed Cirye with an extremely rare heart defect called anomalous aortic origin of the left coronary artery . The condition prevents the blood from flowing into one of the chambers of Cirye ’ s heart . The defect is typically found at birth and immediately treated because most babies do not survive their first year without surgery .
Given those details , doctors were understandably confounded by how healthy Cirye has been while playing sports her entire life . She has played softball and thrown discus in track without experiencing a medical emergency . Doctors believe the exertion required to play basketball , which Cirye picked up in just the past two years , strained her heart and caused her to collapse .
Doctors told Cirye and her parents she needed immediate surgery . In February , Cirye endured two separate procedures lasting more than 20 hours . The wait was agonizing for her family . The good news is Cirye ’ s recovery is moving quickly , and doctors believe she ’ ll soon be able to resume an active life .
Cirye already has her goals lined out . As a softball player since the age of four , she wants to make the high school team when she moves up to ninth grade next school year . Her long-term dream is to one day play for the University of Oklahoma . Cirye ’ s mom wants that and more for her daughter , and this situation has been a lesson in getting the most out of every moment .
“ It ’ s taught us how precious life is and that tomorrow isn ’ t promised — to love on your people because you just don ’ t know ,” Carpenter said .
JOB FAIR FOR TEACHERS OF ALL GRADE LEVELS
SATURDAY , APRIL 20 | 9 A . M . TO 1 P . M . DR . JIM VASZAUSKAS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 1110 W . Debbie Lane , Mansfield , Texas 76063
REGISTER IN ADVANCE
Applicants must register to attend the fair . Registration window open March 4 at www . mansfieldisd . org / jobfair2024 or by scanning the QR code at left .
17 MANSFIELDTODAY