Written by: Cynthia Hasseman, MSN/Ed RN

Two Valencia High School Girls’ Lacrosse players, sisters Cambria and Maci Lawrence (ages 15 and 13 respectively), founded the “Keep the Pressure” non-profit organization in 2018. This organization’s purpose is to furnish “Bleed Kits” to areas of need. Having raised more than $100,000, “Keep the Pressure” has furnished over 1,200 bleed kits ensuring that every public Junior High and High School classroom in Santa Clarita is effectively equipped in the event of trauma.

With the increasing violent situations occurring across our nation, the girls wanted to do something to assist if a tragic situation presented itself so that immediate life-saving measures could be initiated while awaiting emergency services. These bleed kits include tourniquets, shears, bandages, and specialized quick-clotting hemostatic gauze, all of which can be utilized for any type of trauma producing blood volume loss.

Tragedy struck Santa Clarita, California, on Thursday, November 14, 2019, where an active shooter incident occurred at Saugus High School taking the lives of three teenagers (including the shooter) and injuring three others. This tragedy has brought the entire Santa Clarita community to its knees. According to NBC News, November 15, 2019, during this tragedy, the bleed kits were used and potentially saved lives.

Katlin Holt, the Saugus High School choir teacher, reported to the Los Angeles Times, November 15, 2019, that a student ran into the classroom, after the shots occurred, and had been shot twice. She reported that the student’s adrenaline was so high that she didn’t know she had been shot. Holt reportedly retrieved the bleed kit from her classroom and wrapped the wound on the student’s side and applied pressure to the shoulder wound. Holt stated she had received training on how to use the bleed kits only a couple of months prior during a staff meeting. The bleed kit and training Ms. Holt received on using them potentially saved this student’s life. In all, 13 bleed kits were reportedly used during this tragic event. The company that makes the kits, BMK Ventures in Virginia, is replacing these used kits at no charge to the school.

Due to Cambria’s and Maci’s forethought and concern for community safety, having dedicated themselves to founding the "Keep the Pressure" organization and raising funds to supply kits to all William S. Hart School District Junior High and High School classrooms, lives have already been saved. Cambria and Maci were interviewed by “Inside Edition” stating, “Although we created these and wanted people to feel safe, we never wanted them to have to be used!” It is terrible living in a time where traumatic situations like these are occurring, but we do – and being prepared is key. Hopefully all schools, churches, and any public facilities realize the significance of effective preparation and become equipped with these life-saving bleed kits.

Cambria and Maci Lawrence along with their organization, “Keep the Pressure”, truly are “unsung heroes” just as the Los Angeles Times named them. Cambria is a 2nd year Varsity lacrosse player and Maci is playing her first year with our team. I couldn’t be any prouder and more humbled to be these girls’ coach and having the opportunity to watch them grow and make a difference in our community.

For additional information on the Keep the Pressure organization, the ability to donate or purchase kits, please visit the organization’s website at https://www.KeepThePressure.com . This site also includes all news stories that were referenced in this write-up.

The registration for VHS Lacrosse for the Spring 2020 season is now open!  Please click on the link below to register.  Note that registration is open through January 15, 2020.  However, registrations which are completed after November 29th will be charged a late fee.  Uniform and gear orders must be placed by December 1st in order to arrive in time for the season - the late charge will cover expedited shipping for late orders.

The Valencia Lacrosse Foundation oversees and supports all budgetary management for VHS Lacrosse, which is a self-funded sport.  The VLF is a non-profit organization that helps make VHS Lacrosse possible.  If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation, please click on the link below.

There are 4 levels of donation but any donation will help the continuing growth of VHS Lacrosse:

Viking Legend ($5,000)

 Speaking opportunity at the awards banquet
 Be photographed in framed team pictures signed by team captains
 Table of 8 at the awards banquet
 An individual banner displayed at all home games
 Promotion in email messages
 Acrylic plaque commemorating your generosity
 Logo  or name on slideshow at awards banquet
 Logo/name and link on Valencia Viking Lacrosse website sponsor page
 Certificate and letter of appreciation
 A “shout-out” by the announcer at all home games

Viking ($2,500)

 An individual banner displayed at all home games
 Framed picture of each team signed by team captains
 4 tickets to the awards banquet 
 Promotion in email messages
 Acrylic plaque commemorating your generosity
 Logo or name on slideshow at awards banquet
 Logo/name and link on Valencia Viking Lacrosse website sponsor page
 Certificate and letter of appreciation
 A “shout-out” by the announcer at all home games

All-Star ($1,500)

 Participation in shared banner displayed at all home games
 Logo or name on slideshow at awards banquet 
 Framed picture of each team
 Logo/name and link on Valencia Viking Lacrosse website sponsor page
 Certificate and letter of appreciation
 Logo or name on slideshow at awards banquet
 Logo/name and link on Valencia Viking Lacrosse website sponsor page
 2 tickets to the awards banquet
 A “shout-out” by the announcer at all home games

Purple & Gold ($500)

 Logo/name and link on Valencia Viking Lacrosse website sponsor page
 Certificate and letter of appreciation
 Logo or name on slideshow at awards banquet
 A “shout-out” by the announcer at all home games

These fine organizations make what we do possible. Please show your support to these amazing sponsors and thank them for their commitment to our organization. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Email us at VHSVikingsLacrosse@gmail.com