Shine a Light on SUDC for Blake

https://rememberblakey.org

Help Us Shine a Light on Sudden Unexpected Death in Childhood (SUDC)

Imagine a world where every parent wakes up knowing their child is safe, happy, and healthy—a world where unimaginable loss is replaced with hope, answers, and action. Sadly, for Matthew & Brittney Wilson of Canton, Texas, that world shattered on October 30, 2018. Their vibrant son, Blake Louis Wilson, dressed in costume and enjoying his class party, laid down for a nap like any other day. But this day was different. Blake never woke up.

Blake wasn’t sick. There were no warning signs. His passing introduced the Wilsons and their family to a heartbreaking reality: Sudden Unexpected Death in Childhood (SUDC)—a category of death that offers no cause, no answers, and no closure. Families like the Wilsons are left grappling with the unknown, while the world around them remains largely unaware of this devastating phenomenon.

Why Awareness Matters

SUDC is not widely recognized like SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), yet its impact is equally profound. Parents deserve answers when faced with the unthinkable loss of a child. Doctors, first responders, social workers, medical examiners, and emergency personnel need training to handle these cases with care and precision. Lawmakers must act to fund research and establish protocols that bring clarity to families and prevent future tragedies.

No parent should ever lose a child without understanding why. No family should have to endure grief compounded by unanswered questions.

One Woman’s Mission to Make a Difference

Michele Gorman, PhD—founder of Refuge House, Inc., a foster and adoption organization in Texas—has turned her personal passion for trekking and climbing into a global mission to spread awareness about SUDC. Inspired by her best friend Brittney’s loss of Blake, aka Blakey, Michele is turning her passion for trekking and climbing mountains, both literal and figurative, to honor his memory. (#rememberblakey) From the Camino de Santiago to the Alpe-Adria Trail to Mount Everest and now Kilimanjaro, Michele’s upcoming journey is about more than herself—it’s about raising funds, awareness, and hope for families impacted by SUDC.

Her overwhelming passion stems from one simple yet profound belief: “No parent should ever have the sparkle in their eyes dimmed by the loss of a child without answers.”

How You Can Help

Together, we can ensure that families like the Wilsons never face this heartbreak alone. Your contribution can:

• Support critical research into SUDC.

• Fund training for emergency personnel to handle these cases with compassion and expertise.

• Advocate for laws that establish protocols and provide resources for affected families.

• Spread awareness so that no one learns about SUDC through tragedy.

Blake’s memory lives on through every step Michele takes, and every effort made to bring SUDC into the light. But she can’t do it alone—she, families like the Wilsons, and the SUDC Foundation need your help.

Join Us in Making an Impact

Your donation isn’t just a gift; it’s a lifeline for families searching for answers and hope. Together, we can turn heartbreak into action and ensure no parent faces this journey without support.

Let’s climb this mountain together! As Michele often quotes a line from her favorite movie, White Squall: “Where we go one, we go all.” So, in that spirit, let’s go!

Join us in spirit

Follow Michele’s Kilimanjaro climb as we honor Blake’s memory by raising awareness and collectively work toward a future free of SUDC.

Instagram: @rememberblakeysudc

Mission Page: www.rememberblakey.org

SUDC: www.sudc.org