This entry is written by Joan Jensen. Her son's name is Mack and this is her message to all of us. Mack was part of our Wisconsin Select Rugby Squad. Pay attention - this is heartfelt and crystal clear - Jim Lindell
I am writing with the hope of bringing more awareness to an activity that seems to be on the rise among tweens and teens. Some of the names this activity goes by are:
Choking Game, Pass-out Game, Space Monkey, Suffocation Roulette, Scarf Game, The American Dream, Fainting Game, Purple Hazing, Blacking out/blackout, Dream game, Flat Liner, California Choke, Space Cowboy, Airplaning, Purple Dragon, and Cloud Nine.
This "game" is a dangerous and addictive activity that older children and early adolescents sometimes play to get a brief high. They either choke each other or use a noose to choke themselves. After just a short time, children can pass out, which may lead to serious injury or even death from hanging or strangulation.
Boys were much more likely to die from the choking game than girls.
Most of the children that died were 11-16 years old.
Nearly all of the children who died were playing the game alone when they died.
Deaths have occurred all over the United States; the choking game isn't limited to one area of the country.
I was not aware of this type of activity and didn't notice warning signs, until July 10, 2009, when my husband discovered our 17-year- old son Mack, dead in his bedroom.
Mack was a bright, articulate, honors student; a fit and very active young man, who worked hard and participated in many activities including band, swimming, wrestling, football, rugby; he also hunted and fished and played lots of chess with his dad. He was very open with both of us and had friends all over the state. He had teachers, coaches and adult friends that he talked to often. He knew how to have fun and wasn't a risk-taker or an over-achiever, but a very competitive young man. We talked to him often about having so much on his plate and asked if it was ever too much; he said that he was having fun and would back off if things got to be too much. My son was enjoying a great life and looking forward to so much more.
Being a typical 17-year-old, Mack was very confident and in part, that is what killed him. I think he thought that this activity was a game and not dangerous; a quick little high without using drugs or alcohol, and no one would be the wiser. Words cannot describe the devastation to his family, friends and community.
Here are some warning signs that someone is playing the choking game:
Discussion of the game or its aliases
Bloodshot eyes
Marks on the neck
Wearing high-necked shirts, even in warm weather
Frequent, severe head-aches
Disorientation after spending time alone
Increased and uncharacteristic irritability or hostility
Ropes, scarves, and belts tied to bedroom furniture or doorknobs or found knotted on the floor
The unexplained presence of shoe laces, belts, dog leashes, chokes collars, bungee cords, etc.
Petechiae (pinpoint bleeding spots) under the skin of the face, especially the eyelids, or the conjunctiva (the lining of the eyelids and eyes)
Parents, please learn more about this and talk with your kids; coaches talk with your young athletes; administrators please train staff, teachers talk with students; pastors/priests get the word out to your congregations; kids, please talk to your friends, classmates and anyone you know and continue to TALK, TALK, TALK about this terrible activity that is called a "game"; it can be brain damage, serious injury or death in disguise.
Other resources for more information: http://www.stop-the-choking-game.com/en/home.html or http://www.cdc.gov/Features/ChokingGame/ or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fainting_game
Joan's personal wish -
If I can spare anyone else the profound sadness that I am experiencing over the death of my son through awareness, it would be a ray of hope for me and my family.
I would appreciate if you could forward this letter. Help me to catch people’s attention. Feel free to share this letter with your family and friends and have them pass it on also.