For Immediate Release:
UHBP is growing and we are thrilled to introduce our newest allies in raising awareness about the dangers of underwater hypoxic blackout. Each person brings a unique blend of expertise, passion, and personal connection to our mission.
We welcome the following experts to our Board of Directors:
Dr. Idil Aktan
Joining us from UNC Rex Healthcare, Dr. Idil Aktan is more than a cardiologist—she’s a compassionate advocate for cardiovascular health. Originally from Philadelphia, she attended Drexel University for undergrad before heading to Burlington, Vermont, for medical school. She completed both internal medicine residency and cardiology fellowship at University of Virginia. Currently residing in Raleigh, North Carolina, Idil enjoys spending time outside with her husband David and her two dogs.
Dr. Aktan was feature in the short film documentary, Don’t Hold Your Breath, as one of the physicians who helped to save the life of Chandler Watson.
Brad Hassig, DC
Brad Hassig’s journey to our organization is deeply personal. As a survivor of an underwater hypoxic blackout, Brad understands the urgency of our cause. His commitment to raising awareness and preventing such tragedies is both inspiring and essential.
Brad is the founder and co-owner of Hassig Family Chiropractic. He has been in private practice since attending Indiana University, then graduating from Logan University of Health Sciences in 200. He currently serves on the clinical advisory board of Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique and has taught across the country for many years.
Brad practices with his wife and fellow Chiropractic physician, Dr. Lori Hassig. They have 3 children and love focusing on faith, family, and friends. Brad was saved by his sons Bridon and Christian, along with neighbor Sam, from an underwater hypoxic blackout in their family pool. They were all featured on national news and were guests on the Today Show.
Dr. John J Kennedy
Dr. John J Kennedy brings a unique blend of medical expertise and personal passion to our team. His love for water sports and a firsthand encounter with tragedy after his child’s friend seemed to inexplicably drown, make him a powerful ally in our mission.
John is a practicing cardiologist with Medstar Cardiology Associates in Annapolis, MD. He has lived in the Annapolis area for the past 30 years with his wife and children. He enjoys many different water sports, especially paddle boarding.
Tom McMahon
Tom McMahon’s leadership experience and dedication to community service make him a valuable addition to our board. His commitment to organizations like the YMCA underscores his belief in the power of collective action.
Tom, a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, is the President and General Manager of Milner Technologies. He began his career with Milner/Lanier 35 years ago as a territory Salesperson in White Plains, NY.
Before beginning his career with Milner, Tom spent 4 years in the U.S. Navy, where he was assigned to Fighter Squadron 41 aboard the USS Nimitz. During this time, he participated as a member of the US Peacekeeping force, Beirut Lebanon in 1983-84.
In addition to his work at Milner, Tom is Chairman of the Board for the YMCA of South Florida, the largest Y in Florida.
Dr. Mark Piehl
Dr. Mark Piehl is a board-certified pediatrician and pediatric intensivist who served as medical director of WakeMed Children’s Hospital from 2009 to 2015. He is a clinical associate professor of pediatrics in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine.
Mark also holds certifications in pediatric advanced life support, which he instructs, as well as advanced trauma life support. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics as well as a member of the North Carolina Pediatric Society and the Society of Critical Care
Mark holds a special place in the UHBP family as one of the physicians who helped save Chandler Watson from his underwater hypoxic blackout drowning. While relaxing poolside with his family on vacation, Mark jumped into action to save Chandler.
Cason Milner
In 2010, Cason Milner and his brother, Whitner, were competing with each other by holding their breath to swim the length of a pool. When Cason got out of the pool he was blue with purple lips, but felt totally fine, not realizing his hypoxia. Little did he know that he was seconds away from blacking out. Unfortunately, Whitner lost his life the very next Spring during breath-holding exercises.
Cason, along with friends and the Milner Family, helped to found Shallow Water Blackout Prevention, now Underwater Hypoxic Blackout Prevention. His presence on the Board will help to solidify our commitment to excellence and transparency as we work to raise awareness and save lives and families.
Cason lives in Atlanta, GA, with his wife and son. He is the Regional Vice President of Milner, Inc.
Welcome to the Cause!
As we welcome these remarkable individuals to our board, let’s renew our commitment to our cause. Together, we’ll continue to raise awareness, implement preventive measures, and support those affected by underwater hypoxic blackouts. With unity and determination, we can save lives and make a meaningful impact.