A credit union, a 5K race, and a lifesaving piece of medical equipment walk into a park.
No, this isn’t the setup for a dad joke—it’s the story of how Financial Plus Credit Union helped put another automated external defibrillator (AED) into the hands of people who need it.
At the 9th Annual London Strong “Set Your Dreams” 5K Run/Walk in Grand Blanc’s Creasey Bicentennial Park, more than 600 community members laced up their sneakers for a cause that goes way beyond fitness. Financial Plus Credit Union, a regular supporter of the event, sponsored an AED that was presented to Whaley Children’s Center—because sometimes the most important race is the one against time when someone’s heart stops beating.
A Legacy Built on Saving Lives
The London Strong Foundation exists because of a tragedy that no parent should ever face. In 2018, 10-year-old London Eisenbeis passed away from sudden cardiac arrest. Her mother, Tina Eisenbeis, transformed that unimaginable loss into a mission: making sure other families don’t have to experience the same heartbreak. Through events like this annual 5K, the foundation raises awareness about heart health and gets AEDs into schools, parks, and community centers across the region.
“We are deeply grateful for the incredible support of our community and valued partners, including Financial Plus Credit Union,” said Tina Eisenbeis. “The generosity of our sponsors, dedication of our volunteers, and enthusiasm of every participant continue to make a lasting impact. Together, you are helping us provide and place lifesaving AEDs throughout our community. Every sponsor, volunteer, runner and donor has become part of London’s legacy. Together we are not only honoring her memory… we are helping to save lives.”
Why This Matters
The AED donated to Whaley Children’s Center isn’t just a nice gesture—it’s a literal lifeline. Based in Flint, Whaley provides trauma-informed residential care, education, mental health services, and independent living support for kids and teens who’ve experienced severe abuse or neglect. These are young people who’ve already faced more than their share of challenges. Now they’ve got an extra layer of protection watching over them.
“The London Strong Foundation has transformed unimaginable loss into a mission that continues to save lives, and we’re honored to play a small part in that work,” said Ciara Vendettilli, Community Impact Manager at Financial Plus Credit Union. “Presenting this AED to Whaley Children’s Center is so special, and we’re proud to support organizations that are creating safer, stronger communities while honoring London’s legacy.”
Community Impact That Actually Means Something
Look, we get it—”community impact” can sound like corporate buzzword bingo. But when you strip away the fancy language, this is what it really looks like: people showing up, organizations putting their money where their mission is, and practical tools that can restart a human heart finding their way to places where they’re needed most.
So here’s to the 600-plus people who ran or walked that 5K. Here’s to Financial Plus Credit Union for being a consistent partner in this work. And here’s to the London Strong Foundation for turning grief into action and making sure London’s legacy is measured in lives saved.
Because at the end of the day, that’s the kind of math that actually matters.