Senior project gives a good reason to run
Editor’s Note: Cindy Gamboa is a senior at Tahoma High School.
On May 15, 2000, tragedy struck our family. My little cousin, Haley, died unexpectedly. Since Haley was more than 12 months old when she died, her death is not considered Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Instead, her death belongs to a lesser-known category, Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC), which describes the death of healthy children after their first birthday.
Since SUDC is just recently being recognized, few resources exist to explore possible causes and steps for its prevention.
SUDC is the sudden and unexpected death of a child over the age of twelve months, which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation is conducted. This must include: examination of the death scene, performance of a complete autopsy and a review of the child and family’s medical history. SUDC is a diagnosis of exclusion given when all known and possible causes of death have been ruled out. The SUDC program was created in September 2001 as part of the CJ Foundation for SIDS. It has been developed to provide a centralized resource for information, support and advocacy. It serves families and professionals affected by the tragedy of SUDC and promotes awareness of SUDC in communities.
This year as part of my senior project, I am coordinating a fundraiser and a run/walk, “Haley’s Run for a Reason”, with all proceeds to benefit SUDC. Today, I am asking for your generosity to contribute in this worthy cause by either making a donation or participating in the event.
• About the event:
Haley’s Run for a Reason, March 14 at Lake Wilderness Park
March 14, registration starts at 9:30 a.m. and the event starts at 10:00 a.m. Strollers and dogs are welcomed.
The cost of registration is $15 for adults and free for children 12 years old and under. However, cash donations are being accepted. Please make checks payable to “Haley’s Run for a Reason” and mail to Haley’s Run for a Reason,
22920 SE 241st Pl. Maple Valley, 98038 or bring to the event on March 14.
Cindy Gamboa
Maple Valley
