Students wear white to honor Breedlove

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Students at Westlake High School shared in a moment of silence Wednesday morning for Ben Breedlove.

The senior, whose story spread rapidly around the world, died Christmas Day after battling a heart condition throughout his life.

The majority of students dressed in white, like Breedlove described in the dream he shared in his final YouTube video posted a week before his death.

"I walked into school and it's almost like the Commons are shining," said Westlake senior Mehul Mehta. "Just the lights reflecting off everyone -- it's pretty amazing."

Mehta, the student body vice president, has been working with fellow student council members on something else students can wear every day to remember Ben, who lost his lifelong battle with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM.

They have ordered bracelets from the HCM Association. The nonprofit organization is creating a special design for Westlake High School students that will say "RIP Big-Hearted Ben Breedlove."

"The purpose of these bracelets is to help people understand what HCM is," said Lisa Salberg, founder and CEO of HCMA.

Salberg, 43, learned about Breedlove, like most people, on the Internet. She was diagnosed with HCM as a child and has lost five family members to the disease, including her sister.

"In the past 16 years the HCMA has worked to create nearly 30 programs around the country that specialize in the treatment and management of this disease," said Salberg.

Westlake students will not have to pay for the bracelets, but donations will be accepted for HCMA to help fund research, provide support for patients and families and educate the public.

Salberg said she spoke with Breedlove's family and they are excited classmates have found a way to keep his message alive.

"Every time you see one you'll be reminded he taught us not to take things for granted and just value life every second you're living it so I think it's going to be awesome to see them around," said Mehta.

Westlake High School will not be distributing the bracelets to the general public. For those who want to obtain one, contact HCMA on its website or email the organization at support@4hcm.org.