Sudden death shocks School

Classmates, teachers, family mourn loss of Notre Dame student body president Alejandra Capdevila.

By CRAIG T. NEISES
cneises@thehawkeye.com

In the silence of its hallways Monday afternoon, it was almost as if the Notre Dame school building itself were in shock over news of the unexpected death of senior Alejandra Capdevila.

After grieving collectively, most of the students went home to grieve privately.

Members of the senior class were called into the chapel during fourth period and were told that their friend, classmate, teammate, castmate and student body president had died. The rest of the school was notified by intercom. By about 2 p.m., the school was nearly vacant except for staff and a few students who stuck around.

Capdevila, 18, was the daughter of Carlos and Kim Capdevila. Her sister, Lindsey, graduated from Notre Dame in 2002, while her brother, Nick, is a freshman at the school. Known to friends, teachers and family as "Ale," she was taken from home to Great River Medical Center about 8 a.m. Monday after being found not breathing in her bed.

Doctors were unable to resuscitate her and she was pronounced dead. The preliminary cause of death is being called Sudden Death Syndrome.As they were ushered into the chapel, and even as they were told it was bad news, Laura Wiebler said she and 30 fellow seniors had no idea what they were about to learn. Wiebler, a Notre Dame classmate of Capdevila's for three years and close friend for much longer, said her thought was that perhaps Capdevila, whose absence from school had not gone unnoticed, had been in a car accident.

"She's a bad driver," Wiebler said.

When the news of Capdevila's death was given, Wiebler said there was utter silence. Then, she said, "everyone started crying."

"God wanted her with him," he said, struggling to hold back his emotions. "And I don't blame him, because everybody wanted to be with her."

IF TOMORROW STARTS WITHOUT ME....

IF tomorrow starts without me, and I’m not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn’t cry the way you did today,
While thinking of the many things we didn’t get to say.
I know how much you love me…as much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me, I know you’ll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready in heaven far above,
And that I’d have to leave behind all those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye,
For all my life, I’d always thought, I didn’t want to die.
I had so much to live for, so much left yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible, that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared and all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday just even for a while,
I’d say good-bye and kiss you, and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized that this could never be,
For emptiness and memories would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly thing I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did my heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven’s gates I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled & at me from His great golden throne,
He said, “This is eternity and all I’ve promised you..
Today your life on earth is past but here life starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow but today will always last,
And since each day’s the same way there’s no longing for the past.
You have been so faithful, so trusting and so true.
Though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn’t do.
But you have been forgiven and now at last you’re free.
So won’t you come and take my hand and share my life with me? “
So when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart,
For every time you think of me, I’m right here, in your heart.

DEATH RAISES SADS AWARENESS

After tests, teen and her mother have internal defibrillators installed in their chests. 
By CRAIG T. NEISES
cneises@thehawkeye.com

The two never met, and now will never have the chance.   But if Britanie Sattler goes on to graduate high school, have a career, raise a family and retire to enjoy time with her grandchildren, she may owe it all to Alejandra Capdevila.

"I'm so thankful for her because she probably saved my life," said Sattler, a 15–year–old freshman at Burlington High School.

Two years ago today, Capdevila was an 18–year–old senior at Notre Dame High School making plans for graduation. No one new when she went to bed that night, the next day would begin tragically.   On April 19, 2004, the daughter of Kim and Carlos Capdevila of Burlington was found unresponsive in bed, and efforts by paramedics and at Great River Medical Center to revive her were unsuccessful.

To this day, doctors aren't 100 percent certain what killed Capdevila, whom family and friends called "Ale." Something called Brugada's syndrome is suspected, but with only very little genetic information about the syndrome to go on, a broader label of Sudden Arrythmia Death Syndrome has been applied.

"This was an illness I had no idea ever existed till Ale died from it," Kim Capdevila said of her daughter, who had been seen by doctors and given medicine for her occasional fainting spells but was never diagnosed with anything that could be so unexpectedly lethal. But thanks to awareness raised locally by her death, the time bomb in Sattler's chest known as Long QT syndrome — another congenital condition associated with SADS — was detected and is being treated.  "If Ale had not passed away," Cathie Sattler said, "we probably would not have found out about Britanie."

Or about herself. Following Britanie Sattler's diagnosis in 2005, Cathie Sattler was tested and discovered to have the same condition.  Both are now on heart medicine, and have been outfitted with internal defibrillators that will shock their hearts back into rhythm if it ever becomes necessary.

By speaking out now, the Capdevilas and Sattlers are hoping to raise the awareness of SADS–related conditions that was created in the Burlington area by Ale's death, and in connection with a recent ABC "Primetime" report on sudden cardiac death that featured Long QT syndrome, a defect the American Heart Association says affects the electrical impulses that control contraction and relaxation of the ventricles, can occur in otherwise healthy people and typically affects children and young adults.   According to the SADS Foundation, Long QT syndrome is three times more common in the U.S. than childhood leukemia. 

For the Sattlers, it started one day last summer.  "My heart just felt funny," Britanie Sattler recalled. "I didn't know how to explain it." Her mother, a pediatrics nurse at GRMC, took her pulse and discovered an irregular heartbeat. The irregularity went away, and an EKG performed the next day showed a normal cardiac rhythm.   But with Ale Capdevila in the back of their minds, doctors went along with continuing the hunt for a cause of that irregular heartbeat.

"They supported me, basically, in not accepting that as an answer," Cathie Sattler said of the normal test result.  Doctors at University Hospitals in Iowa City, who saw Britanie Sattler the next day, reviewed the earlier EKG reading, took a family history that turned up word of a cousin of Cathie's who died unexpectedly in her early 20s and put Britanie through a day's worth of tests, sent her home with prescriptions and a heart monitor to wear for the summer.

Later, genetic testing was performed, the results of which still bring Britanie to tears of sadness, thinking back to the news that she would have to give up athletic activities because of the danger of going into an arrythmia. It also meant surgery in September to insert an internal defibrillator.

Following her daughter's diagnosis, Cathie Sattler underwent testing, too. Her defibrillator was placed during surgery in January.  "I feel better for both of us," Cathie Sattler said, explaining the reassurance of knowing they each are now equipped to survive an arrythmia.

Every six to eight years, surgery will be required to replace the leads or the battery in the defibrillators, which are tested every six months.  So far, Britanie's defibrillator has been on stand–by. Cathie's, however, has kicked in a few times to fulfill its other job as a pacemaker.

Because she has the condition, it will be a concern for all of Britanie Sattler's future children, who will have a 50/50 chance of having it passed down by their mother.  Her younger sister, Carlie, was tested and came up negative for the condition.  The Capdevilas say they do not know which side of the family carries the gene for Brugada's syndrome.   "You inherit a bomb," Kim Capdevila said. "It's either a live bomb or a dud."

Looking at Britanie Sattler, seated across the island of her South Main Street kitchen, Kim Capdevila sees something good that came out of something so terrible for her family.   "I'm grateful Ale's story was heard," she said.

The lesson for parents, Kim Capdevila went on, is to know that such things exist, and to have their children tested if they see the warning signs — such as fainting or seizure during exercise or if startled, consistent or unusual chest pain or shortness of breath during exercise or a family history of unexpected, unexplained sudden death of a young person.   "It's such a simple thing to fix," she said.

A Story About Ale

( Told by my mom- Kim) 

It was a very hard Mother’s Day this year. 
Ale has just recently died, and I was still very upset not knowing why. 
You see, the night that she died, I was awakened twice, once at 2:30 and then again at 5:30 with a knock above my bed.  The first time I went downstairs and opened the front door to see if someone was locked out.  It was windy out and the streetlight turned off.  There was no one.  At 5:30 I again was awakened with this knock, and stayed awake until taking Nic to school at 7:00. 
After Ale died I kept wondering about those knocks.   Was she trying to call for me and I didn’t hear her? The night after Mother’s Day, Carlos prayed to Ale saying that although he was at peace, I was not, and could she please do something to put me at ease.  I had no idea he said these prayers.  I finally fell asleep and woke up sitting on a couch with Ale standing next to me.
She was wearing a turquoise shirt that matched her eyes, and the first thing I said to her was “Ale, you look so beautiful. 
Your eyes are so sparkly, they match your shirt.  There is so much light in them.  Where are you, baby?” 
She was very happy and she answered, “Mom, there are lighted chandeliers hanging off of the trees.  It is so beautiful here.  You would love it.  I can’t talk a lot, because I have to go dance.”  “Wait a minute”, I said.  “I have to tell you something.  Angela is driving your car now…:”

“Mom”, she interrupted, “I already know all of that.  I came to give you something for Mother’s Day.  I wrote you a poem and it is one of my notebooks but I don’t have it here with me.” “Do you want me to look for it?”  I asked.  Without answering she lay down next to me so I could hug her and stroke her hair.  I said,”Baby, I was so scared. 
The day you died…” She said,”Mom, please don’t talk about it, you will make me cry.” “But Ale” I replied, “I have to know one thing.  The night you died, were you trying to get a hold of me and dad?  Were you calling for help for me to come and get you and I didn’t?”  "no mom,” she said.  “I just went to bed and poof, I woke up here.” Then she took me on a walk down a long corridor.  
We were walking against a crowd of people.  In the background I could see Nicholas and Carlos coming through a door looking straight ahead.  She nodded her head at them and looked at me. 
Then a little old guy came walking towards us.  He was wearing a brown suit, hat and a big striped tie.  As he walked past us, Ale tapped him on the shoulder, and said “You’d better stop doing that?” jokingly, as if he’d pinched her. I immediately woke up and told Carlos my dream.  It seemed so real.  I have been unable to look through her journals yet.  Carlos, however, has been going through them and on July 4^th he gave them to me.  Amongst all of her poems was my Mother’s Day gift.   It has been copied exactly as it was written.  Although it was written in 2001, I always kept and framed all of the poems that Ale gave me.  This one I did not have.   

 Thank you so much, Ale.  I love you always and always and always,

Mom

July 4, 2004

We would truly like to thank everyone for their loving support, kind words, beautiful cards,  prayers, flowers, food and memorial donations during the very difficult loss of our beloved Ale.  Despite all that has occurred, we remain so blessed.  We have beautiful memories, loving friends and family, a caring community, and a new beautiful singing angel in heaven to help guide us through the rest of our days.
Due to your overwhelming generosity, Ale’s memorial money is being used to replace the dining room floor in the YWCA’s Women’s shelter with new ceramic tile.  The Burlington Homeless shelter will be receiving a new doorbell system, a new cabinet and Notre Dame Get-A-Grip students are redecorating a room in Ale’s memory.  Notre Dame Schools will be receiving new banners for the gym, a new sound system and chairs for the music department, a new projector system for the school, and copies of the Chicken Soup for Teenagers series for the library.   We are extremely grateful to all of you for making this possible. 

Although there are many individuals whom we have not yet had the opportunity to thank, there are a few groups of people to whom we must offer our sincerest appreciation: 

1) 1)  The Notre Dame Class of 2004 for your loving gesture made in sacrificing your class trip to fund Ale’s Giving Garden” at the steps of Notre Dame High School;

2)       Our Notre Dame family, including students, parents, and faculty, whom have supported us unconditionally throughout this difficult time.   Your prayers, visits, phone calls and friendship have been so instrumental in helping us honor Ale.  We are so grateful for each and every one of you;

3)       Debbie Brueck, Kelsey Lees  and BHS Student council for the clothing drive that sent four large boxes of children’s clothing to the orphanages in Argentina in Ale’s memory;

4)       JoAnn and Burton Prugh and your wonderful staff for all of  your hard work, professionalism, and kindness in organizing Ale’s services, and for your very generous donation of the printing of Ale’s memorial brochures for her services;

5)       Dennis and Karla Standard and the Big Muddy’s staff who hosted the beautiful luncheon and did such a wonderful job;

6)       Kalen and Henderson’s Photography for your beautiful portraits and pictures, Randy & Grace Fox of National Studios for Ale’s graduation pictures, Chuck Stout of Pro-Plumbing for the thoughtful car decals,  Camerland for the donation of the big screen TV’s,  Mark Edwards and Life Productions for the priceless  memorial video and Musician’s Pro Shop , Joel Kipp and Mark Edwards for the beautiful music during the services and luncheon;

7)       American Family Insurance Agents and employees, and our Carlos Capdevila Agency clients,  whom have offered daily support, well wishes and prayers;

8)       Great River Medical Center doctors, nurses and staff, including the Burlington paramedics and Officer Tom Walz, who worked so hard to save Ale and never, ever gave up.   Also to Dr. Fran Jackson, Dr. Woodard, and Dr. Ian Law who are working so hard to give us comfort and answers.  We will forever remain grateful to you and keep you all in our daily prayers;

9)       Our Catholic community for your continuous prayers,  and Fathers Pat & John, for your kind words, songs, and poems at Ale’s beautiful mass;

10)    The Burlington Area Soccer Club, SE IA Soccer Officials and Athletic Directors, Aquinas, BHS, Cardinal Stritch, Central Lee, Clinton Prince of Peace, Columbus Junction, Danville, Davenport Assumption, Ft. Madison, Keokuk,  Marquette, Mt. Pleasant, New London,  WACO, Washington, West Burlington, and William Penn  student bodies, athletic teams, support staffs, and coaches.  The kindness you have shown our family and school system through your cards, flowers, letters, posters, hand-made rosaries, and memorial donations will never be forgotten;

11)    St. Ambrose University for bestowing the Honorary Bachelor of  Humanities degree to Ale.  Your  thoughtfulness truly touched our hearts;

12)    All of our many classmates, co-workers, friends and family who traveled so far to be with us and for all of the phone calls, letters and e-mails from friends and family around the world who were with us in spirit.

All of the love and goodness generated by this one special little eighteen year old girl has been truly remarkable.  We are amazed, honored and proud beyond description.  The sun will shine again, and we will forever remember all of your many kindnesses.

The Capdevila’s - Carlos, Kim, Lindsey, Nic and Raylin

*~*El juramento de un verdadero amigo *~*
  Cuando  necesites sostener una mano,  te dare las mias. 
Cuando es oscuro, y no puedes ver. 
Cuando  te sientas  solo, estare siempre cerca. 
Cuando  estes gritando, escuchare tu dolor. 
Cuando  estes asustado, sacare tus miedos. 
Cuando  necesites un  escape te dare un lugar para esconderte. 
Cuando sientas solo , yo estare a tu lado. 
Cuando necesitas ayuda lo unico aue tienes que hacer es decir mi nombre. 
Y cuando  cambies, te amare siempre igual.
~Alejandra Capdevila~

*~*The Oath of a True Friend*~*
When you need a hand to hold
I will extend mine.
When it's dark, and you are lost
I will be your light.
When you feel that you are all alone
I will always be near.
When you are crying
I will dry your tears.
When you are afraid
I will dry your tears.
When you need an escape
I will give you a place to hide.
When you feel there is no one else,
I will stick by your side.
When you need help
All you have to do is call my name.
And when you change,
I will love you just the same.
--Alejandra Capdevila