Christina Luca’s Heart Journey

Christina Luca has a generous spirit.

During her sophomore year, the cheerleader and runner from Seaford College faced an unanticipated hurdle when she received a shocking diagnosis: Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a serious heart condition that can lead to severe complications, including heart attacks.

“I never really experienced anything like this before. I hadn’t faced any health problems previously,” Luca shared.

“It took me by surprise, and I felt pretty anxious about it,” she recalled, reflecting on her diagnosis in February.

For Luca and her family, the gravity of such conditions seemed distant. Regular medical check-ups hadn’t revealed any issues.

Her case gained attention because the Seaford School District conducts free cardiovascular screenings for over 200 student-athletes.

“Initially, I didn’t feel the need to go. I thought, ‘I’m healthy, so why bother?'” Luca admitted.

However, encouraged by her mother, Tricia, Christina decided to undergo a quick test that ultimately could save her life.

As she continued in sports, she only needed a portable defibrillator present, and by May, she had a catheter ablation to address her condition.

Now she’s back at summer cheer practices, feeling relieved.

“I don’t worry about it anymore,” Luca, now a junior, expressed her gratitude, noting the desire to pursue a nursing career.

“I feel thankful for my safety now… Just grateful to live my life fully.”

A Lesson Learned

This experience made Luca aware that she wasn’t alone; many young athletes are also grappling with hidden heart issues.

The electrocardiograms she received were interpreted by two local mothers who had lost their sons to similar heart conditions.

They transformed their grief into action by founding Heart Screen NY, providing free screenings in schools across Long Island.

“We’ve screened over 8,000 kids,” remarked Karen Accompora, who lost her son, Louis, more than two decades ago after a lacrosse ball struck him.

Accompora collaborates with Melinda Murray Nyack, whose son, Dominic, experienced a cardiovascular incident during a game.

“If we can prevent a tragedy and return a child safely to their family, we feel fulfilled,” Murray-Nyack noted. “But we need more people to help.”

Luca and her mother have become key advocates for this cause.

“I believe this initiative will save many lives in the future,” Luca shared.

“My situation might resonate with someone else. If they see that I’ve been through this, they might think, ‘I could have it too.'”

Heartfelt Advocacy

Luca is also involved with the Connor Cashin Memorial Foundation, named after a local hockey star who tragically passed during a charity game in 2024 due to an unknown heart condition.

The foundation aims to establish “Connor’s Law,” which would mandate electrocardiograms for student-athletes in New York, backed by local Rep. Michael Durso.

Tricia emphasized, “We want to prevent others from experiencing the heartache that Connor’s family went through.” Working with neighboring families has become a significant undertaking for them.

“Just a few stickers and a quick EKG could save lives,” she added.

Connor’s story hit home for Christina, who found out she had a potentially life-threatening heart condition too.

“I think we need to raise awareness so similar situations can be avoided,” she stated.

Luca is set to speak at the foundation’s gala on August 6, sharing her journey to encourage testing among teens.

“This illustrates precisely why Connor’s Law is necessary. Without that school screening, who would even know about my condition?” Craig, Connor’s father, remarked regarding Luca’s situation.

Mary, Connor’s mother, concurred.

She stated, “The ECG works. Christina has a bright future ahead.”