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S.I.D.S. (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
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Posted by: rixzta
In October of 2002, I lost a granddaughter to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Although I had supported the "Red Nose Day" for many years, I was unaware that the SIDS Foundation was having to generate it's own funds for research and prevention and family support. I was also unaware of just how many people this experience actually "touches" and affects.
The trauma of discovering my grandaughter on that fateful morning has never left me, and if not for the fantasic support offered by the SIDS foundation to not only my Daughter, but to me, my wife and the rest of my family, I doubt that I would EVER have recovered from that experience.
My wife and I are now active volunteers for the S.I.D.S. Foundation and assist in raising funds to support this fantasic and much needed Foundation.
http://www.rednoseday.com.au/
Background
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), or cot death, accounts for deaths of approximately 100 babies in Australia each year, and is the major cause of death in children between the ages of one month and one year. In September 1988, the first Australian Red Nose Day was conducted for the SIDS cause and was an outstanding success, raising around $1.3 million as well as significantly increasing public awareness. Red Nose Day quickly became established on the Australian charity diary, and now takes place each year on the last Friday in June. The target for fundraising income is about $4 million.
In 1999, the charter for Red Nose Day was expanded to include counseling and family support for all sudden and unexpected death of infants and young children regardless of cause from 20 weeks gestation to two years of age. The children may have died from stillbirth, neonatal death, SIDS, motor vehicle accidents, drowning, a fast on-setting illness or some other way.
Objectives
Red Nose Day is 'a day with a difference' working towards:
- raising money for research into reducing infant mortality particularly in the areas of SIDS, stillbirth and neonatal death;
- funding the planning, production and implementation of the SIDS and Kids Safe Sleeping program, which is responsible for saving approximately 4,000 Australian babies' lives so far;
- increasing public awareness and understanding of bereavement issues for parents and others affected by the sudden and unexpected death of an infant or young child;
- building on the spirit of fun that the red nose concept creates, and encouraging organisations, community groups and schools to develop their own team building through fundraising activities.
Red Nose Day and S.I.D.S.
Posted by: admin
Thank you Rick so much for sharing your personal story with us and I am sorry to hear about what you and your family went thro. I guess unless you know someone that has died from S.I.D.S. you probably don't think much about it but things like the "Red Nose Day" and even your post here at WL go a long way in "getting the message out" about a very worthwhile and respected charity. I am glad to hear that they were there to help you and your family thro the trauma of losing a family member. Good Luck and Well Done to you and your wife with your efforts as volunteers for the S.I.D.S. Foundation 