This time of the year is when we reflect upon our past and count our blessings. Such blessings come in many forms, and anyone lucky enough to know Midlothian local David Cheatham knew they had a blessing for life. From a beloved husband, father, and grandfather to a brilliant CPA, coworker, and companion, David was and continues to be a fine example to those around him. After suddenly passing from cardiac arrest in May 2022, David’s family arranged a golf tournament, The Dewey Invitational, to celebrate him while spreading awareness of the subtle and rare signs of cardiac arrest. Together with friends and family, the Cheatham’s raised an incredible $50,000 they graciously donated to the American Heart Association.
David's sons, Joe, Michael, and Andrew, along with his work partner, Frank Jenkins, created The Dewey Foundation to raise knowledge about heart disease and other diseases that David cared about. The Dewey Invitational was solely dedicated to the American Heart Association for its inaugural year. “We want everyone to know the symptoms of a heart attack or stroke and make sure that everyone has a conversation with their doctor about their individual risks,” Joe Cheatham says. “Our goal is to help stop our story from happening to another family.” Among the rolling green hills, streams, ponds, and lakes of Hermitage Golf Club in Goochland County, the local American Heart Association team set up hands-only CPR practice stations on each course, where every golfer saw a demonstration and had a chance to practice compressions.
“The Cheatham family incorporated the American Heart Association's mission into their outreach by conveying their personal story and emphasizing the staggering statistic that more than 70% of cardiac arrests outside of hospitals occur in homes," Executive Director at The American Heart Association, Michelle Nostheide, says. “The support from this event, in honor of David, will allow us to continue to expand our reach, with the goal of having one person in every household aware of hands-only CPR.” In honor of its 100-year anniversary, the American Heart Association plans to redouble its efforts in the Richmond area, providing resources to schools, community centers, companies, faith-based groups, and families. “The Cheatham family’s generosity will go a long way in helping us reach that goal,” Michelle says.
In remembering his father, Joe shares what a fraternity brother of David recently said: "David seemed to grasp what was happening around him in a unique way. He said a lot without saying anything; he said everything with his eyes. When he spoke, it carried weight. David was simply mature, incredibly intelligent, and led by example. He was someone to watch, learn from, and attempt to emulate how to be a man." He also shares that The Dewey Foundation and Hermitage Country Club plan to hold another tournament in 2024. To be added to the waitlist, please send an email to support@deweyinvitational.com. "We certainly have other ideas on spreading our mission, but for now, the annual golf tournament is our start, "Joe says.
For more information and to support the Cheatham family and the American Heart Association in their shared mission, visit deweyinvitational.com and heart.org. To keep up with the American Heart Association, follow them on social media @AmericanHeartVA and look out for these upcoming events: Hard Hats with Heart - November 21st, Wear Red Day - February 2nd, Go Red for Women Luncheon - February 23rd, Heart Ball - April 27th, CycleNation -May 2024, and Heart Walk - October 2024.
“My dad always enjoyed golf–whether playing with one of my two brothers, myself, or one of his many friends & colleagues – golf was his favorite hobby. So, when thinking of ways to pay tribute to his life, it was really simple - build an event around what he loved: playing golf with family and friends.” – Joe Cheatham