SPRING, Texas — Former Houston Texans wide receiver Cecil Shorts and his wife, Chanel, are leading a community initiative aimed at preventing sudden cardiac arrest in youth athletes, following a personal loss involving Chanel’s younger brother.
Chanel’s brother, an 18-year-old college basketball player, collapsed during practice from sudden cardiac arrest—a leading cause of death among student-athletes. In response, the Shorts family launched the “In God’s Hands” project to raise awareness about heart health and provide resources for early detection and emergency response.
The initiative emphasizes the importance of electrocardiogram (ECG) screenings, CPR training, and education on using automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The project also seeks to inform families that sudden cardiac conditions can go undetected in standard physical exams.
Chanel Shorts, co-founder of “In God’s Hands,” said the effort aims to equip families with life-saving knowledge and tools. Cecil Shorts noted the urgency of early detection, particularly for student-athletes who may appear healthy but carry hidden heart conditions.
As part of this advocacy, the Cody Stephens Foundation—partnering with KPRC 2—will host its 12th annual youth heart screening event on Saturday, August 17, at the Harris County ESD 11 Headquarters in Spring, Texas. The screening is open to participants aged 11 to 22 and will run from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
During the event, attendees will complete consent and heart health history forms before receiving an ECG screening. The event also includes hands-on CPR training for children and parents.
Cecil and Chanel Shorts will be present at the screening and encourage local families to participate. Chanel called the event an opportunity to learn about “In God’s Hands” and the impact of sudden cardiac arrest.
The Cody Stephens Foundation and Harris County ESD 11 are coordinating the screening. Registration is currently open through the foundation’s official channels.
