Del Rosario's family wants to start charity to fight genetic heart anomaly
The family of the late Shane Del Rosario wants to give back in his name.
The UFC heavyweight died Monday after a nearly two-week fight for his life. He went into full cardiac arrest Nov. 26 and remained in critical condition before passing away at a Newport, Calif., hospital at the age of 30.
Now, his family is looking into starting a charity that would raise money toward fighting the genetic condition that doctors believe contributed to his death, it announced in a statement to the Associated Press on Tuesday.
Long QT syndrome is a heart rhythm disorder that rarely shows symptoms and hardly ever comes up in tests, according to the Mayo Clinic. Typically, it is only found when tested directly because the disease is a family trait.
Long QT can trigger rapid, chaotic heartbeats which can lead to fainting, seizures or even certain death.
Del Rosario's family also said that his organs would be donated in the hope of saving others. Establishing a scholarship fund for disadvantaged children in Del Rosario's name will also be discussed.
Del Rosario (11-2) was a world champion Muay Thai kickboxer and promising MMA fighter.
The full statement is below:
"It is with great sadness that the family of Shane Del Rosario shares that he succumbed as a result of his sudden cardiac arrest on November 26th. The family expresses their extreme gratitude to the paramedics, doctors, nurses and staff who worked tirelessly in an effort to save him. Also, to the many friends and family that reached out in support and love of Shane at the hospital and via social media. It has been truly amazing to realize just how many lives Shane touched in such a positive way. As always, Shane fought hard, but it was his time to go in peace. We will miss his huge smile, his huge bear hugs, his gift of giving to others, and his Aloha spirit. He was larger than life.
Shane excelled in multiple sports, but many of you know him as a professional fighter. He fought with courage and never gave up even in the most difficult situations. He was very proud that he was the first American to win the WBC World Heavyweight Muay Thai Championship and was honored to have represented his country successfully fighting for Team USA in the M-1 Global Tournament. What he learned in sports were "life lessons" for him that he transferred to everything he did in life.
Shane spent almost every summer in Lanai City, Hawaii where his grandparents instilled Lanai's island and plantation values such as unconditional love and pride for the Ohana, loyalty to family and friends, duty, honesty, integrity, courage, and love of country. Shane loved Hawaii and embraced its culture. He was passionate about helping others and was always there to offer a helping hand, a smile, and encouragement to anyone, not only family and friends, but also to strangers. He always put others before himself and would give the shirt off his back. He brought genuine joy and happiness to everyone he touched.
Shane lived up to his Hawaiian name, Kalani, Royal Warrior. He was a warrior and protector of his family, friends, and anyone that needed help. Now he is a Heavenly warrior and will continue his good works on a higher plane. Shane is now an Aumakua and will watch over us forever.
Shane leaves a legacy of giving to others. In that spirit it was Shane's wish to donate his organs in hope of saving the precious lives of others. The family is also exploring establishing a scholarship fund for disadvantaged children and setting up a foundation, the Shane Del Rosario Long QT Foundation. Long QT Syndrome is the genetic anomaly that may have contributed to his passing."
