Postmortem genetic testing plays a crucial role in understanding sudden unexplained deaths in children (SUDC). It not only helps identify potential causes but also provides key insights for the child’s family, including assessing genetic risks for relatives.

Benefits include uncovering the cause of death, offering peace of mind, and supporting informed decision-making for at-risk family members. Learn more about how genetic testing can aid in investigations and support ongoing research

➡️ https://sudc.org/post-mortem-genetic-testing/

No one should grieve alone. The SUDC Foundation is here to support you every step of the way. From providing emotional support to connecting you with others who understand your journey, we are dedicated to helping you find comfort and hope.

💙 Learn more at www.sudc.org

It's Lift Me Up Tuesday! This is your gentle reminder to take a deep breath and be kind to yourself. 🌿 Grief can be overwhelming, but remember, caring for yourself is an important part of the healing process. You are allowed to take it one moment at a time.

We are here to support you, every step of the way. 💛

The article is about another parent with a child that died of SUDC:

Two of Schruben’s six children died at young ages due to medical complications. At 4 years old, his son Tucker passed away in his sleep. A few years later, Schruben's daughter, Alana, died from complications due to seizures.

“Life involves suffering sometimes,” Schruben said. “But you just have to go on.”

The quote resonates with me quite a bit

Lift Me Up Tuesday 💛

How are you feeling today? It’s important to take a moment and check in with yourself and those around you. Whether you’re feeling “Not Good” or “Amazing!”, your feelings are valid, and it’s okay to share them.

Today, let’s make it a point to check in on our friends and loved ones. A simple “How are you?” can make a world of difference.

Remember, you’re never alone on this journey. Reach out, connect, and lift each other up. 💛

Grieving the loss of a loved one can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our Peer Connection Program pairs grieving families with volunteers who have walked a similar path, offering support through shared experiences. This program complements professional counseling by providing a compassionate peer friend to listen, share, and understand.

If you or someone you know could benefit from this, request a peer friend today and connect with someone who truly understands. 💛

https://sudc.org/peer-connections-program/

September is National Self-Care Awareness Month, a perfect time to focus on nurturing your mental, emotional, and physical health.

Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential! Here are some practical tips to help you prioritize your well-being:

💧 Drink Water First Thing in the Morning: Hydrate your body to kickstart your day with energy.

✍️ Write Down 5 Things You’re Grateful For Every Day: Gratitude shifts your mindset and keeps you grounded.

🗒 Make a Menu for the Week: Plan nourishing meals that fuel your body and reduce the stress of last-minute decisions.

🏃‍♀️ Move for at Least 30 Minutes a Day: Whether it’s a walk, yoga, or dancing, keep your body active!

🎶 Listen to Good Music: Boost your mood with your favorite songs and let the rhythm lift your spirits.

💪 Exercise Regularly: Strengthen both your body and mind by incorporating regular physical activity into your routine.

📚 Read a Book: Escape into a story or learn something new—reading can be a great form of self-care.

🌟 Try Something New: Step out of your comfort zone and experience something different—it can be refreshing and fun!

🍽 Have a Family Dinner: Connect with loved ones over a meal. Shared moments with family nourish the soul.

Remember, self-care is about finding balance and creating habits that make you feel your best. Let’s make this month the start of a long-term commitment to YOU! 💛 Save for Later!

On #InternationalLiteracyDay, let’s broaden the conversation to include grief literacy. Just as we learn to read and write, we can also learn to understand and support those going through grief. Being grief-literate means recognizing that grief is a personal journey for everyone, offering empathy, and knowing when to listen rather than trying to fix things.

Let’s build a more compassionate, understanding world—one where we are not only literate in books, but also in the emotions that connect us all. 💛 https://sudc.org/grief-resources/

Today is Grandparents Day, and we want to honor and recognize the incredible strength of those within our SUDC Community. Your love, resilience, and enduring presence are a testament to the powerful bond you shared. Today, we stand with you and acknowledge your strength. 💛

Today is your day.

Small, simple acts of self-care can make a big difference. Whether it’s a short walk, a cup of tea, or just a few moments of deep breathing, take time today to nurture your body and mind. 🌿

Naming your emotions is the first step towards healing. Whether it’s sadness, anger, or numbness, acknowledging what you feel can bring clarity and relief.

How are you feeling today? 💭

Our Sibling Card is a valuable resource for children who have experienced the loss of a sibling.

This card can be shared with the child’s medical community or pediatrician, providing essential information about SUDC and the family’s experience. It helps explain the situation without requiring you to share specific details if you’re not ready to do so. This ensures that your child receives the understanding and support they need during this difficult time.

Download the sibling card here : https://sudc.org/literature-brochures/

#ThoughtfulTuesday: The journey through grief is often complex and deeply personal. Understanding the 🔟 Stages of Grief can provide valuable insight into your own healing process:

1. Ugly - The raw, intense emotions that may feel overwhelming.

2. Raw - The vulnerability and openness to experiencing pain.

3. Numb - A period of emotional detachment or disbelief.

4. Searching - The quest for meaning and understanding in the midst of loss.

5. Redefining Values - Reevaluating what truly matters to you.

6. Rebuilding Self - The process of reconstructing your identity.

7. Reintegrating - Gradually returning to daily life with new perspectives.

8. Restoring Purpose - Finding new meaning and direction as you move forward.

9. Open to HOPE - Embracing the possibility of healing and renewal.

10. The Rest of Your Life - Learning to live with your loss while continuing your journey.

Each stage is a crucial part of the healing process, guiding you through the pain and toward restoration.

👉Which stage resonates with you the most right now?

On this #LiftMeUpTuesday, let’s reflect on a powerful thought: 'I have decided that the only way to live is to embrace grief. For grief only exists where love lived first.'

💖 Grief is a testament to the deep love we have experienced. It reminds us that our hearts have been touched profoundly and that we have loved deeply. Embracing this truth allows us to honor those feelings and find strength in them.

Share this message with someone who may need a reminder today that their grief is a reflection of their immense capacity to love.

Here at The Sudden Death in Childhood Foundation, we're committed to advancing research in three impactful ways:

🔬 FUND: We provide crucial financial support to drive groundbreaking studies.

📜 ENDORSE: We advocate for and promote research initiatives that can make a difference.

🔍 IDENTIFY: We identify key areas for research focus to uncover answers and save lives.

Together, we're making strides in understanding and preventing childhood tragedies.

The new school year can be tough for families affected by SUDC. Anxiety and memories can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help. In this blog, we cover key tips:

🌟 Open Communication: Talk openly about feelings.

🌟 Establish Routines: Create a daily schedule.

🌟 Visit the School: Familiarize your child with the environment.

🌟 Plan for Triggers: Develop coping strategies.

For a more in-depth discussion on these tips and access to the full toolkit, read our blog. Together, we can support grieving siblings.

➡ https://sudc.org/navigating-back-to-school-anxiety-preparing-for-potential-triggers/

For many of us, this yearly reminder is just the motivation we need to finally sit down and create a last will and testament. 📑 💲 This is also an excellent opportunity to consider leaving a bequest to the SUDC Foundation too.

These gifts have a significant impact on our family service programs and research initiatives, without putting any financial stress on you during your lifetime.

📨 To learn more please contact Elizabeth Milliken, Director of Development at development@sudc.org.

August = Grief Awareness Month. All month long, We are going to showcase an understanding of it and how to help navigate it.

Grief touches everyone slightly different, and overall it’s a deeply personal journey.

Here are 4 key facts about grief:

1. Grief is a natural response to loss, affecting everyone differently.

2. Grief is not one size fits all: there are different types, each requiring unique support.

3. The grieving process is not linear; it takes time and varies for each person.

4. Support systems are crucial for healing.Our organization is here to support you.

If you or someone you know is struggling with grief, reach out.

Remember, you are not alone. 💙

Discover insights from bereaved parents navigating the profound grief of Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) this Bereaved Parents Awareness Month. Hear firsthand accounts on managing grief day by day and essential self-care practices. Learn how you can support grieving parents with compassion and understanding during their darkest times.

📚 Read more about their journey and find resources for support here: https://sudc.org/finding-light-in-the-darkness-supporting-bereaved-parents/

🌟 The SUDC Foundation Sibling Card is an essential resource for children who have lost a sibling. It helps them communicate their feelings non-verbally, making interactions easier with teachers, camp counselors, coaches, pediatricians, and doctors. This simple tool ensures understanding and support in difficult moments.

Download yours for free today at https://sudc.org/literature-brochures/

https://sudc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Sibling-Cards_12.11v2.pdf

July is National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month—a time to recognize and support parents who have endured the heartbreaking loss of a child. This month holds profound importance as it brings attention to their unique grief journey and the need for compassion and understanding.

The SUDC Foundation is dedicated to supporting families affected by Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC). Through raising awareness, providing vital resources, and funding critical research, we strive to bring hope and healing to bereaved parents.

💙 Join us this July in honoring these families. Let’s raise our voices, share their stories, and ensure they never feel alone.

This Father's Day, we acknowledge the unique journey of all fathers who have lost a child. Take time to cherish the memories and know that you are not alone. We stand with you, offering support and solidarity. 💛

Word of the Day: Vilomah

Did you know? The term "Vilomah" means "against a natural order" and is used to describe a parent who has lost a child. It highlights the profound grief and unnatural pain of outliving one's own child.

Let's spread awareness and support all grieving parents. 💔

Supporting someone is not about fixing them, it's about loving them through their journey of healing and growth.

Losing a child is everyone’s worst nightmare. It’s not the way things are supposed to happen; so how do you support someone you love through something you’re uncomfortable even thinking about?

Here are 5 tips for supporting a grieving parent:

• Accept their unique experience. Everyone's grief journey is different, so acknowledging their individual process is crucial.
• Avoid blame and guilt. Healing doesn't come from dwelling on what could have been done differently.
• Embrace their way of finding meaning. Let them navigate their own path to making sense of the loss, whether through religion, memorials, or awareness efforts.
• Keep their child's memory alive. Share stories, photos, and memories to honor their child's legacy, even beyond the first year.
• Be realistic with support. Understand there's no "getting over" child loss; it's about being there for them and helping them accept their reality.