March is Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) Awareness Month. The SUDC Foundation to #ShineALightOnSUDC

[Roseland, New Jersey] - March marks Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) Awareness Month, and the SUDC Foundation is shining a light on this devastating occurrence with its #ShineALightOnSUDC campaign and proclamation initiative. These public efforts aim to bring attention to this devastating tragedy and honor the children who have passed away as well as serve as a beacon of hope and comfort for families impacted by SUDC Throughout March, landmarks across the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada will illuminate in blue and yellow, the official colors of the SUDC Foundation, drawing attention to this little-known but tragic medical mystery.

Every year, the SUDC Foundation spearheads a nationwide campaign urging U.S. states and local municipalities to declare March is SUDC Awareness Month.

SUDC, the unexpected death of a child aged 1-18 years that remains unexplained after thorough investigation, affects approximately 450 children in the United States annually, according to the Center for Disease Control.

“The SUDC Foundation is committed to increasing awareness, funding research, and serving those affected by SUDC. March is an important month for the SUDC Foundation as it provides an opportunity to shine a light on SUDC and help families who have been impacted by SUDC find us. One child gone too soon, is one too many, regardless of the numbers,” stated Tina Yun Lee, Executive Director of the SUDC Foundation.

Throughout March, the SUDC Foundation hopes to bring together communities across the country to increase awareness and acknowledge the Foundation’s critical work in helping families cope with the devastating loss of their child.

“In 2023, 82 landmarks were illuminated throughout the world and 43 U.S. states officially recognized March as SUDC Awareness Month. I am thrilled to see the #ShineALightOnSUDC campaign gaining momentum and local municipalities also participating in proclamations, recognizing that one child lost is a community of broken hearts,” said Lee.

Unlike Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), SIDS research has received approximately $500 million in public funding, but unfortunately, there has been no targeted funding for SUDC during the same time period (NIH Estimates of Funding for Various Research, Condition, and Disease Categories, 2023).

The campaign also hopes to raise funds for research to predict and prevent SUDC and ensuring that trauma-informed resources and supports continue to be provided at no cost to those they serve.

“SUDC is the fifth leading category of death in children ages 1 to 4 and along with a lack of targeted funding for SUDC research highlights a critical gap in our understanding and ability to prevent and predict. It’s time that we acknowledge the tragic impact of child loss not only on families across the country but also our communities and encourage more people to join us in our mission and help us live in a world free of SUDC,” said Lee. The SUDC Foundation, a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization, is the only organization worldwide dedicated to raising awareness, funding research, and serving those impacted by SUDC. The SUDC Foundation currently serves over 1,900+ families in more than 23 countries, offering all services at no charge to its beneficiaries.

To learn more about how you can #ShineALightOnSUDC and how you can support the SUDC Foundation’s mission, please visit www.sudc.org.