 |
Nearly twenty years ago, on the campus of the University of Washington, two strangers forged a lifelong friendship. Adam Lang and Daniel Phelps bonded over their love of soccer, playing four years as teammates on the UW Huskies Men’s Soccer Team. They became roommates and best friends, a bond that endured even after college. In December 2015, Daniel had the honor of standing as a groomsman in Adam’s wedding. Tragically, just one week later, Daniel was lost to Sudden Cardiac Arrest at only 27 years old. |
Daniel was cherished by many as a friend, son, brother, and teammate. His friends sought to honor his memory and show his family how deeply he was loved and remembered. Thus, in 2017, the DP Open charity golf tournament was established. Now in its eighth year, the 2024 DP Open will be held on Saturday, August 10.
With the success of the DP Open, more initiatives were created to honor Daniel’s legacy. In 2020, the Soccership program began, using funds raised by the DP Open to help children pursue their passion for soccer, covering league fees, gear, and travel expenses. In 2021, DP Night was launched, held in October during Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month. DP Night partners with UW Men’s Soccer to honor Daniel, raise awareness for SCA, and teach fans and players CPR and how to use an AED.
In 2022, Adam founded the DP Foundation. The mission of the DP Foundation is to save and support lives in memory of Daniel Phelps. The foundation saves lives by placing AEDs, supporting the Nick of Time Foundation’s youth heart screening program, and offering free CPR/AED training through their partnership with Medic One Foundation. They also support young lives by donating to soccer clubs in the Greater Seattle Area, making soccer more affordable and accessible.
These initiatives have raised over $250,000, funding 4,405 youth heart screenings, supporting 65 local soccer families, and providing 19 new AEDs. Notably, one of these donated AEDs saved a young soccer player’s life.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the leading cause of death among student athletes and on school campuses, striking any age without warning. One in 300 youth has an undetected heart condition that increases their risk, especially during sports.
The DP Foundation is now involved in Project 100, an initiative aimed at ensuring no lives are lost to SCA during outdoor sports and recreation. The mission is to equip 100% of sports fields in Washington State with accessible AEDs.
Daniel’s memory endures as the DP Foundation continues to save lives. Through early-detection screenings, donated AEDs, increased awareness about SCA, or free CPR training, the DP Foundation transforms tragedy into triumph.
Support the DP Foundation:
- Golfer in the Washington Area? Sign up for the August 10 DP Open: dpopen.org
- Enhance their mission: Donate to the DP Foundation: danielphelpsfoundation.org