Potentially lifesaving devices donated to North Fork schools and PDs in memory of college student from Mattituck
The organization is now donating 120 LifeVac anti-choking devices to schools and police departments.
Darla and Joseph Doorhy, of Mattituck, lost their 20-year-old daughter after she was hit by a driver on a day when she was volunteering at her college.
“She would always lend a helping hand wherever there was a need, she was right there,” said Darla.
The nonprofit Kait’s Angels, created in her memory, raises money to help others on the North Fork.
The organization is now donating 120 LifeVac anti-choking devices to schools and police departments.
“When Kaitlyn was younger, she choked on something, and I had to do the backslaps on her and it dislodged it,” said Joseph.
The donations will double the number of LifeVacs at schools on Long Island. The device creates a one-way suction to remove lodged food or an object.
According to the state Department of Health, at least one child dies from choking on food every five days in the U.S.
“I would argue the schools are safer out here. The cafeterias are safer out here, and where there is an issue and the regular protocol doesn't work, these kids have a chance to be saved,” said Michael Plunkett, a LifeVac co-owner and founder.
The Riverhead Charter School is one of the LifeVac recipients.
The device saved the life of a grandson of the school's director of academics, Nick Timpone.
“I have three grandchildren and knowing that this is a thing that can save their lives is fantastic," says Timpone.
“If we weren't doing it, she'd be doing it. That’s the kind of person Kait was," says Kait's father, Joseph Doorhy.
If you would like to become one of Kait’s Angels and donate to causes on the North Fork, visit their website
