UltraFit Auburndale is now better prepared to respond to a cardiac emergency after receiving its new automated external defibrillator (AED) through Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation’s Pay It Forward Program. The AED, donated by Schalamar Creek, marks the foundation’s 97th AED placement, continuing its mission of making lifesaving equipment more accessible throughout the community while providing education that empowers people to act during a cardiac emergency.

The donation was made possible through the efforts of Sean Schrenker, a lieutenant with the Winter Haven Fire Department, whose commitment to protecting others extends well beyond his career in the fire service.

Schrenker began his fire service career with the Auburndale Fire Department, where he served for approximately eight years. In 2007, while employed there, he attended paramedic school with Eric Shimkus. After completing the program, he joined the Winter Haven Fire Department, where he has now served for more than 17 years and currently holds the rank of Lieutenant.

Although Schrenker currently works B Shift and Shimkus works C Shift, they have worked out of the same station and have known each other for more than 20 years.

Schrenker first began working out at UltraFit in 2014 when it was under previous ownership. After taking an extended break before the COVID-19 pandemic, he returned last year with a goal of improving his fitness and keeping up with the younger firefighters at the department.

During one of his workouts, a fellow member experienced a medical emergency. While the UltraFit staff acted quickly by providing care and calling 911, the experience highlighted the importance of having an AED readily available.

“I knew Eric teaches CPR classes on his days off, so I contacted him to learn more about obtaining an AED. That conversation introduced me to Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation. I was thrilled to learn that Ultra-Fit had been selected to receive an AED. While I sincerely hope it is never needed, having one available has the potential to save someone’s life.”

Schrenker also praised the training provided after the donation.

“The training provided by Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation and Eric Shimkus was outstanding. Despite the limited time available, they delivered an informative, hands-on class that gave both the Ultra-Fit staff and its members the knowledge and confidence to recognize when an AED is needed and how to use it properly. I am truly grateful for everything this organization does to help businesses obtain lifesaving equipment and educate people on how to respond during a cardiac emergency.”

For Madi Harris, owner and head coach of UltraFit Auburndale, the donation reflects the gym’s commitment to creating a safe environment for every member.

“My name is Madi Harris, and I’m the owner and head coach at UltraFit Auburndale. Fitness has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I love helping people become healthier, stronger, and more confident. I took over UltraFit a little over three years ago, and the goal has always been to create more than just a gym. We’ve worked hard to build a community where people feel supported, encouraged, and like family.”

Harris said Schrenker played a key role in bringing the AED to UltraFit.

“I’ve known Sean through being a member at the gym. He’s a firefighter and has taught me about different safety protocols if ever in a situation I need to use them. I’m incredibly thankful that he reached out for us and helped make this possible. Having an AED in our gym gives me peace of mind knowing we’re better prepared if an emergency ever happens. His willingness to help our community means more than he probably realizes.”

Receiving the AED also brought an unexpected personal connection.

“I’ve actually known Melanie since I was little. I used to cheer with her daughter, so it was really special to reconnect with her after so many years. I honestly had no idea she was involved with Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, so it was such a cool surprise to see her again through something so meaningful. We’re incredibly grateful that her foundation chose to donate an AED to UltraFit through the Pay It Forward program from Schalamar Creek. We hope we never have to use it, but knowing it’s there if someone ever needs it is a blessing. It’s an amazing gift that could truly save a life, and we’re honored to be part of their mission to make our community safer.”

Harris also expressed her appreciation for Melanie Brown Culpepper and the foundation.

“I just want to say thank you to Melanie and everyone at Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation for everything you do. It’s inspiring to see a foundation turning tragedy into something that brings hope and helps protect communities. Your passion for educating people and making AEDs more accessible is making a real difference, and we’re so thankful to be a small part of that mission.”

Following the presentation, Eric Shimkus led an AED demonstration and hands-on training session for the UltraFit staff and members.

“The demonstration was excellent. Eric explained everything in a way that was easy to understand and helped everyone feel much more confident about using the AED if the situation ever arose. Before the training, it could have felt intimidating, but now I feel much more prepared and informed. We’re very thankful he took the time to educate us.”

Harris said the stories shared during the presentation left a lasting impact.

“Hearing the stories they shared was incredibly eye-opening. It really put into perspective that cardiac emergencies can happen to anyone, anywhere, and often when you least expect them. It made me realize just how important it is to be prepared.

We hope we never have to use ours, but if it ever saves even one life, it’s worth it. Thank you again to Melanie, Eric, Sean and the entire Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation team for investing in our community and helping make it a safer place. You guys are seriously AMAZING!”

The placement of AED #97 represents another milestone for Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation’s Pay It Forward Program. Through generous community partners like Schalamar Creek and dedicated advocates such as Sean Schrenker, businesses like UltraFit Auburndale are becoming better equipped to respond when seconds matter most.

As Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation continues its mission throughout Central Florida, each AED placed serves as a reminder that being prepared can make the difference between life and death—because Saving Lives Matters.