About

Where We Began

In the summer of 2020, two more high school students tragically lost their lives to exertional heat stroke. Subsequently, Below 104 was formed in hopes of preventing future unnecessary loss of life. The purpose of Below 104 is to advocate for change; change in policies, education for athletic trainers and coaches, and mandatory use of ice tubs when exertional heat strokes occur.

After I, Maggie, endured the experience of watching my own child fight for his life in a critical care unit after suffering an exertional heat stroke, I understood the importance of having support and resources to get through that situation. I wanted to ensure other families in similar situations had access to that same support. The Korey Stringer Institute, which provides research, education, advocacy and consultation to maximize performance, optimize safety and prevent sudden death for the athlete, warfighter and laborer, was instrumental in supporting the start of this education and advocacy group, bringing together several tireless advocates with similar passions.

Carole Knighton, Michele Ciancola, and Laurie Martin Giordano, whose families have also been impacted by exertional heat strokes, joined as founding members of Below 104, which was officially formed on September 23, 2020.

While the organization is young, our passion and enthusiasm for effecting change is contagious and we are excited to work toward the realization of our goal – no child should be lost to exertional heat strokes.