When we first learn of a family who has experienced the death of a child we pray for them. The families are in a stage of shock from the tragedy and devastation they are experiencing.

We reach out to the family directly or indirectly through family members to connect with them and offer our condolences. We want to make sure they have the support they need such as family, friends, church family, etc. This is when we gather information on where to send the Box of Sunshine.

Our desire is to spread rays of sunshine in memory of Emy by gifting grieving families a Box of Sunshine. When Emy passed away, I was given numerous gifts that helped me during a very tragic time of grief and sorrow.

Through our Christmas for Kids Shoe Drive we provide new shoes for kids in need in our community. The needs are assessed through the public schools and resources available to us through the contact person at the school.

Having a career in nursing myself, brings a greater desire to give back to college students in the nursing program. I was fortunate and blessed with a nursing scholarship and several other scholarships during my college experience.

The scholarship will be given in honor and memory of Emy and titled “Emy’s Sunshine Scholarship”. This is in hopes that the student awarded the scholarship will “Spread Rays of Sunshine” to their patients in memory of Emy.

No matter how cloudy or stormy a day may seem, we can always be the sunshine.

The SUDC Foundation is the only organization worldwide whose purpose is to promote awareness, advocate for research, and fully support those affected by SUDC. SUDC is the fifth leading category of death in children ages one to four, yet SUDC receives no public funding. The SUDC Foundatioin provides all services at no cost to families. A portion of funds raised will be directly given to the SUDC Foundation.

For more information about the SUDC Foundation visit, www.sudc.org.