Fund in Memory of William Steven Kozma Jr.

My father was one of a kind. A genuine, charismatic, local photographer who knew how to capture those magic moments. It was September 17th, 2003 and I was just 13years old. A Wednesday morning just like any other the beginning of 8th grade... until 9AM came around and I was pulled from class. Only to hear the absolutely devastating news that my mother, in an attempt to wake him from his slumber on the couch, found my father would not wake up. After a call to 911, it was discovered that somewhere between the hours of 2AM - 5AM he had moved from bed to the couch, where he suffered from Acute Cardiac Arrhythmia. He was a young, strong, 52 years old. Within that half an hour, my life fell apart(the little life that I had finally discovered for myself in such young years).. as my father was my greatest role model and one of my best friends.

The questions I've asked along the years consist of a single common thought. "Why/How and, how come it was so unexpected?" My Dad was a diabetic, a CPPA, independent business owner, and the ring leader of our household. At the time, I had no idea what the words "acute cardiac arrhythmia" meant. I was told that it was his heart stopping for as little as, 30 seconds, to the point where it simply didn't start again. He had very little/no history of heart conditions. With the help of SADS I've learned more. Even the name "sudden" gives me assurance that I AM NOT ALONE in this. I've learned that his hard work and dedication could have been a factor... & with that knowledge I will proudly say the my father, William S. Kozma Jr., lived a fruitful life and achieved many things. Giving me the motivation to spread the love that I lost so many years ago. I do not wish to leave you with a sad story but, with a story of success and dedication which has led to an abundance of love and care I'm determined to share with those around me. Don't wait, don't forget. Tell them you love them. Always and Forever.