As a parent of three kids who all play outdoor sports in Texas, I’ve spent a lot of time at games and practices in the heat. At the opening of football season, I went to my son’s game on a day when it was 107°F outside. Sitting in the stands, I couldn't self regulate from the heat, and I couldn’t stop thinking about the kids on the field—wearing pads and running on hot turf. If I was struggling just sitting there, how safe was it on the field?

When I got home, I started researching the regulations for heat safety. I was surprised to find the guidance across professional, collegiate, and at the youth levels, all focused on addressing symptoms of heat illness after someone is sick, rather than preventing heat issues in the first place. Heat illness is 100% preventable. I thought, the status quo has to change.

I knew I had to solve this problem — a company focused on preventing heat illness. Our goal is to give parents, coaches, and athletes the tools they need to stay safe during extreme heat.

My belief is that all outdoor sports will soon become extreme sports. And we have to keep athletes safe while they play the sports they love. This is my way of making sure that happens.

We welcome you to join us on this journey and make the game better, Melissa Fortenberry