About Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood

Not until Ryan's death did we know that a two and a half year old child could die so suddenly and without explanation.  We had heard of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), but did not know that such a similar tragedy occurred in children after their first year.   As parents, we thought we were safe once our boys reached the end of their first year.   We knew that most SIDS tragedies happen among infants under one year old.  When Ryan died, we were fortunate to find the Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) Foundation.   It provided us with a source of comfort and wisdom we needed during our loss.   We have found support, information and learned coping skills through their group of supportive SUDC families.  In the SUDC world, parents express similar emotions and language.  We listened to each other without explanation and judgement. 

After Ryan's death was investigated by the county's coroner, the SUDC Research Project was able to offer an extensive and thorough research analysis of Ryan's death.  We hope someday we will have an answer to our tragedy and help further minimize the risk of another child dying so unexpectedly and suddenly.  No family should have to face such a terrible loss. 

"Sudden Unexplained Death In Childhood (SUDC) is the sudden and unexpected death of a child over the age of 12 months, which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation is conducted." (Krous et al. 2005)

Update

The Sudden Unexpected Death Data Enhancement and Awareness Act (H.R. 669) was passed unanimously in the Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives and signed into law (as above) by President Obama on December 18, 2014.

For more information on The Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood Foundation, please visit www.sudc.org