John's Story

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At The John Stewart Foundation, we are committed to promoting wellness and enhancing the quality of life for all people. We believe in transforming communities and empowering the attendees through our health screenings, community events, and social services platform.

Feleica Stewart—Executive Director Speaker and Philanthropist, is a woman with a passionate mission that developed as a result of a tragic loss. The statement, “Out of your deepest pain comes your greatest gift,” describes her experience.  On March 12,1999, Feleica’s son John Stewart, a star high school basketball player collapsed and died on the basketball court at a regional basketball game.  His tragic death was due to sudden cardiovascular disease.  Feleica and her grief journey changed her life, perspective, and career.  After suffering such a devastating lost, Feleica then started the John Stewart Foundation in which she is now the Executive Director  The John Stewart Foundation’s goal is to decrease the incidence of sudden cardiac arrest in young people and eliminate sudden cardiovascular disease in young athletes and young adults. The Foundation has successfully placed AED machines in local High Schools. Feleica has traveled throughout the USA educating and bringing awareness of heart disease in young athletes and what signs and symptoms to look for. 

 Over the years, The John Stewart Foundation has also partnered with noted companies such as Close the Gap, Boston Scientific, NCAA, Final Four, IU Hospital, American College of Sports and Medicine and The Marion County Health Department. The John H. Stewart Foundation also launched a 2-year billboard campaign titled “Don’t Let A Heart Stop Beating.”  This campaign brought awareness to the increasing issue of undetected heart disease in kids and young adults. Under Felecia’s leadership, the John Stewart Foundation has been successful in working with local hospitals to screen over 5,000 young athletes. Over 1/3 of those athletes had some form of undetected heart disease.