• Maryland SIDS Information and Counseling Program • Infant and Child Loss Program • Education and Training Program • Consultation Services University of Maryland Baltimore Department of Pediatrics V O L U M E 12 / N O. 2 FALL/WINTER 2006 SIDS Research Findings Researchers at Children’s Hospital, Boston, announced findings that provide strong evidence that sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) has a concrete biological basis. The researchers are confident that a diagnostic test can be developed to identify newborns at risk and envision treatments to protect them during the vulnerable period. Check presentation from the 2006 Golf Committee members. The current study, which will appear in the November 1 Journal of the American Medical Association http://jama.ama- Lightening Strikes Twice! assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/296/17/2124 contributes evidence that there is a Golf Invitational Rained Out problem in the development of the brain that occurs in utero and after birth as riday, Oct 6th 2006 was marked This year’s event raised a record breaking well. According to Dr. Hannah Kinney, with a big splash for the 16th $159,000 for the Center for Infant & principal investigator, the data gives a Annual Verizon Wireless-SIDS Child Loss . Despite the inclement weather, F window of time to identify infants at high Golf Invitational & Evening Reception . many sponsors and golfers traveled from risk and initiate interventions during the Steady rain forced the course superinten- all parts of the country to support this critical first six months of life. “My hope dent at Indian Spring Country Club, annual event - well known as one of the Silver Spring, MD, to cancel golf, but the best charity tournaments in the area. is that this research will in some way evening reception and auction were held Volunteers and golf committee members ease the pain for parents of SIDS victims, with great success! Rain has only were on hand throughout the day to helping them understand that their happened twice in 16 years… greet folks, entertain and set up the baby’s death was part of a disease process unfortunately two years in a row! evening portion of the event. We truly rather than a mystery,” says Kinney. are fortunate to have had so many “This finding (brainstem’s ability to use wonderful supporters committed to the and recycle serotonin, a brain chemical Inside: purpose of the golf outing and to that plays a role in regulating vital support the mission of the Center. Director’s Desk ...... 2 functions and mood regulation) lends Gutberlet Scholarship ...... 2 Monies raised from the Verizon Wireless- credence to the view that SIDS risk may Outreach and Training ...... 2 SIDS Golf Invitational provide more than greatly increase when an underlying Counselor’s Corner ...... 3 one third of the operating budget for the Safe Arrivals ...... 3 predisposition combines with an Center which provides grief counseling In Memory / Memorial Services . . . . 3 environmental risk – such as sleeping Making a Difference ...... 4 services, community education, training, face down – at a developmentally Big Gala ...... 4 outreach and research. Next year’s event sensitive time in early life,” said Duane Bull & Oyster Roast ...... 5 will move to Turf Valley Resort & Alexander, M.D., Director of the NIH’s Burtonsville Walk ...... 5 Conference Center in Ellicott City, MD National Institute of Child Health and Golf Event ...... 6 on October 1, 2007. Thank you! Human Development. Director’s Desk Gutberlet Scholarship he Ronald Gutberlet, MD, scholarship made it possible Dear Friends: for parent, Debbie Hardy, to attend the MADD National It always seems something is going on at the Center. As Conference, Mission Possible: A Nation Without Drunk many of you know we had a very successful, but wet DTriving, September 7-10, 2006. Ms. Harvey is the parent of Verizon Wireless-SIDS Golf Invitational. That was followed by the Annual SIDS Bull and Oyster Roast, Janet Marie Hardy, killed at the age of 13 in a motor vehicle hosted by the Cockerham family. You will have an accident caused by a drunk driver. Ms Hardy has dedicated opportunity to read more about these events, but if you many hours to eliminating drunk drivers and being a peer did not join us for one or the other, come meet us at the support to other bereaved parents. The conference provided “Big Gala for Little Angles” on February 24th. See the event section for more details. Ms. Hardy with many ideas and much information to address the problem in Maryland. She had the opportunity to meet Like many working in programs that deal with infant and child sudden unexpected death, I subscribe to a listserv of other parents to gain and give support. The Center was like professionals. Sometimes the issues and debates are delighted to support Debbie in her efforts to make a difference of great interest, and others times not. However, recently in the lives of children. Please contact Donna Becker at: the Mayor of Milwaukee was widely touted for his support 410.706.5089 / [email protected] to learn more of the implementation of the Cribs for Kids Program based on the National model. The program provides safe about Ms. Hardy’s work or scholarship opportunities. cribs to low income families. Included in the effort is the Back to Sleep/Safe Environment messages, which many feel are as important as the actual crib. As in any media event, and often in delivering the Back to Sleep message, it seems to be implied that a ‘safe crib’ will prevent SIDS. Outreach and Training Efforts A bereaved grandmother, and National Program Director June 2006 – September 2006 of the Canadian Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths, made an impassioned plea that we encourage the TRAINING reduction of all risks that may influence the lives of our children, but we must not infer that deaths attributed to Day Care providers ...... 96 SIDS, SUDI* and even SUDC** can be prevented. As she Professional staff ...... 6 states, because of changes/improvements in diagnoses 3rd trimester pregnant ...... 23 and an increase in parents’ risk reduction education it is impossible to compare stats from years prior to the Back Parents ...... 18 to Sleep Campaign. Many infants formerly determined to OUTREACH be SIDS might now be diagnosed due to medical advancements. However, not only is Canada continuing Risk reduction materials ...... 4,326 * to experience sudden infant deaths, like Maryland, the Light switch cover ...... 16,587 ** number of Sudden Unexplained Child Deaths seems to be * ...... includes Spanish materials increasing. The real issue is that we cannot use the term ** . . . . includes light switch covers provided to all birth hospitals prevention when discussing SIDS, SUDI or SUDC deaths, and in fact other sudden infant and child deaths which are able to be diagnosed. It seems that the Director voiced many of the concerns parents and professionals wrestle with while trying to make sense of such a tragedy. And while doing so, she supported any effort, Contributions such as a crib project, that would reduce the risk of harm Charitable Giving at Work & Employer Matching Donations to our children. Thanks to all who have designated the Center as their charity At this time, Baltimore City has a crib program, and Carroll County is in the planning stages to implement of choice for the United Way, Maryland Charities Campaign, the Cribs for Kids Program. If you are interested in either Allstate Giving Campaign. If you would like to donate through of these programs or would like more information on the payroll deductions, select UMB Foundation, Inc. and ask your National Cribs for Kids Program please contact me at administrator for a supplemental form to designate 410.706.5089 or mail to: [email protected] . SIDS/Center for Infant & Child Loss. Peace . . . Donna This past year there has been an increase of employers match - * Sudden Unexplained Death in Infancy, ing employee donations. We would like to especially thank ** Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood Tyco, Hewlett Packard, & GEICO.

2 Counselor’s Corner: Handling the Holidays

hristmas and Chanukah, two you. Decide which traditions you difficult time for you and that talking holidays filled with tradition and want to keep this year and which you about your child is healing for you. C often associated with children, want to change. Be flexible. As you Memorialize your child. Light special are often especially difficult for progress in your journey through candles, have a special tree or special bereaved families. What you do, or grief, you may find that you are able ornaments for your child. Buy presents don’t do, may depend on whether or to go back to some of the traditions for a needy child or volunteer at a not you have young children who that you could not handle in the shelter or hospital around the busy should not be deprived of the joy the beginning. holiday season. Attend a memorial holidays can bring. Try to finish Do things at different times or in service. Although it may be difficult, it shopping well in advance so that you different places if that works for your will allow you to express your feelings in are not inundated by holiday displays, family. If you decide to take part in a caring and comfortable atmosphere. music and the rush of people that may family gatherings, feel free to mention Treasure any moments of happiness as a make you feel uncomfortable. You your child if you want to. If others special holiday gift. Honor your child by may even want to try shopping by are uncomfortable, that is their remembering them with love. catalog or the internet. Take advantage problem. Don’t let anyone make you of the people who said to let them Our thoughts and support are with each feel guilty for talking about your child family during this time of year. know how they might help you. Ask or crying. You may want to explain in them to do some holiday chores for advance that this is an especially Warm Regards – Mary

Safe Arrivals Congratulations to . . . Christian David Cockerham , born October 27, 2006, 10 lbs. 10 oz., to Chip & Sharon Cockerham. Alex Thomas Oliveri , born August 25, 2006, 6 lbs. 4 oz., to Remembering Our Children Joanne & Peter Oliveri. Annual Memorial Services A memorial table will be available to display pictures Prince Georges County Sunday, December 3, 2006 - 2:00 p.m. In Memory . . . In Honor of … St. Joseph's Church 11007 Montgomery Road Cheryl O’Connor Robert & Linda Alford Beltsville, Maryland In loving memory of McMillan Directions: Take I-95 South towards Washington. Take Brittany Clark In loving memory of MD-212 E exit number 29A towards Beltsville. Merge onto Erin McMillan Powder Mill Road / MD-212. Turn right onto Cedar Lane. Hamilton Center Turn left onto Montgomery Road. In loving memory of Alisa Graziano Baltimore Area Kailey Clark Jane Balmer & Wednesday, December 6, 2006 - 7:30 p.m. Gordon Shelton Brown Memorial Church William & Claire Beck In loving memory of 6200 N. Charles Street In loving memory of Andrew Nestor Towson, Maryland Taylor Elizabeth Clark Directions: Baltimore beltway (I-695) to Exit #25 Charles Paul Skiba Street; South on Charles St. approximately 2 miles to Rev. Frederick & Karen Muir church on right directly across from 7-11. In loving memory of Michael & Ruth Roth Eastern Shore Mark Hickman In loving memory of Tuesday, December 5, 2006, 7:00 p.m. Michael Waite Waller St. John United Methodist Church, Fruitland, MD Loretta Murphy For more information call Mary Rose Custer at 410-543-7039 In honor of Latika Wilson Refreshments will be served. Please bring a ‘finger food.’ Jonathan Melnick In loving memory of Call the office at: 410-706-3091 to RSVP Viktoria Wilson

3 provides some educational materials and Making a Difference hot meals for the children as well as a small stipend for the caretaker. Wawa Christie Woodard – SIDS parent and long Wasi is run entirely by the community. time supporter of the Center, recently came I’m told the caregiver makes on average back from her “volunteer vacation” to Peru. $40 per month! The children there all had We have asked Christie to share her experi - heartbreaking stories. Some children live ence for our newsletter and we would like on the streets while others have mothers to recognize her efforts to help children all or fathers in prison. They are all small over the world. and malnourished with little to eat. Most A “Volunteer Vacation” is an incredible, life of my time was spent playing with them, changing experience. I have always wanted reading to them and singing songs. On my day off I went to the women’s prison, to volunteer in an impoverished area of the Christie Woodard in Peru world and recently got the chance. Cross where children under 4 live with their Cultural Solutions is an organization that sends volunteers all mothers. The other volunteers and I took the children out for over the world. I decided to spend 3 weeks of my vacation time a few hours of fun outside the prison, which is the only time from work volunteering to help people in one of the most they get out. poverty-stricken areas of Peru - Ayacucho, which is about Cross Cultural Solutions puts much emphasis on volunteers 9,200 feet up in the Andes. After months of planning feverishly understanding and experiencing the culture of the country studying Spanish every day I departed September 2nd for my where they are working, which was wonderful. The people mission. there were an inspiration, doing as much as they can with so I was assigned to work in a Wawa Wasi, which is the Quechan little. I think I received more than I gave, for the experience word for day care. It is for families living in extreme poverty. has given me a new perspective on my life and has allowed me In most cases the caretaker lends a room in her home to be to truly understand how blessed I am in so many ways. The used for educational and recreational activities for some 9 children that I worked with touched my heart and I hope in infants and children aged 9 months - 4 years. The government some small way that I touched them. Please Join Us The Belvedere One East Chase Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 Date: February 24, 2007 Cocktail Hour • Seated Dinner • Program • Live Auction with Johathan Melnick Entertainment by Frank Curreri & Company

Name Address City, State, Zip Phone () Fax: () Tickets: $150.00 per person • Tables of 10 available No. of Tickets Requested = BLACK TIE OPTIONAL / DEADLINE FOR TICKET ORDERS: FEBRUARY 1, 2007 ❐ Enclosed is my check made payable to UMB Foundation, Inc. ❐ Bill my credit card (circle one) VISA / MC / AMEX Credit Card Number Exp. Date Signature Date Mail order to Center for Infant & Child Loss, 630 West Fayette Street, Room 5-684 / Baltimore, MD 21201-1585

4 Events 7th Annual SIDS Bull & Oyster Roast ~ SOLD OUT! he 7th SIDS Annual Bull & Oyster Roast was held on silent and live auction items. The auctions alone raised over Saturday, October 14th at the Level Fire $4,000. A lot was happening behind the scenes where a THall in Havre de Grace MD. The core group of volunteers were working hard. event raised a phenomenal $9,000 They were truly committed to the rousing in support of the Center’s Empty success of the event and spent most of Arms Project! Over 300 guests the day setting up and preparing packed the room to listen to food.The evening program was the live music of Strait marked by a special presentation Shooter who donated their from Donna Hawley and Sandi time to be part of an Gallion who presented Sharon & entertaining evening and in Chip Cockerham a special support of this annual SIDS remembrance plaque marking the 10th fundraiser. Folks were lined up early anniversary of their son Jonathan. This to come to this local event that has raised event was established in memory of Jonathan more than $40,000 over the past 6 years for the and to support awareness of Sudden Infant Death Center. Committee members as well as local volunteers, Syndrome (SIDS). Over the years this event has not only worked many months to plan a special evening for all. It was helped to heal many hearts, but has supported bereaved obvious that their hard work paid off from the sellout crowd parents throught the Empty Arms Project. who attended. Guests enjoyed a variety of great food including Thanks to everyone involved with the 7th Annual SIDS Bull & beef, turkey, and fresh pig grilled to perfection, fresh oysters Oyster Roast. Events such as this are only successful because and oyster stew, salads, cold beverages and of course a of the commitment of its committee members and support of mouthwatering sundae bar! the community. The Center would like to acknowledge the Special thanks to our Master of Ceremonies this year, Richard sponsors and this year’s 2006 SIDS Bull & Oyster Roast Brooks Sr. and to our live auctioneer, Alex McCommas, Jr. Committee for their continued time and support. Their enthusiasm helped to generate many bidding wars on 2006 Bull & Oyster Roast Committee Members: Honorary Chairman - Barry Glassman Chairpersons: - Sharon & Donna & Chris Hawley Chip Cockerham Karen Lopes Richard & Kathy Brooks Robert Lidke P.J. & Nancy Cusic Dee Miller Sandi & Nolan Gallion Margrete Stine Special thanks to the sponsors and community businesses who helped to make this event a huge success! Community Volunteers Kick Off SIDS Walk of Burtonsville Special thanks to the folks at The Learning Tree Child Development Center in Burtonsville, MD. Under the leadership of Lee & Cecelia Pfeffer , a committee of volunteers worked tirelessly over just a few weeks to have the first “SIDS Walk of Burtonsville” benefiting the Center for Infant & Child Loss. This event was held in conjunction with the Annual Burtonsville Day Celebration and raised over $1,100 . Many of you already know that the staff at The Learning Tree of Annapolis has rallied together for several years to support the Annual Walk/Run for SIDS in Annapolis. We appreciate the time and effort sponsors and community volunteers put forth to make the Burtonsville Walk a big success! Special thanks to these sponsors: The Learning Tree Child Development Center of Burtonsville , the Knights of Columbus #9808 and Dr. Gregory Keating & Staff .

5 Events

ndian Spring Country Club in Billie Huntley , Silver Spring, Maryland was the Associate Director Isetting again for this year’s of Marketing, was tournament and evening reception. on hand to greet The golf committee and staff supporters and to were extremely pleased that the tournament was sold to capacity thank many of the people who made an effort to attend. Billie also accepted the by early September with over 265 golfers registered to play. Billie Huntley, Something everyone did not plan for was the rain which Associate Director company recognition during our evening appeared again this year. Forecasts of “showers” turned into a of Marketing program since Regional President, Tami cold nor’easter by early morning. It was with great angst that Verizon Wireless Erwin , could not attend. Throughout the day the decision not to play golf was decided. It is very disappointing and evening, many of the volunteers working especially knowing that many of you traveled distances to be were from Verizon Wireless and Verizon. Their support is part of the event. The decision turned out to be a wise call since truly remarkable! it rained steadily all day. Many folks showed up at the club in support and in anticipation of the Evening Reception. Club officials turned the lounge area into a mini Texas Hold ‘Em Evening Reception pecial thanks to this year’s Tournament providing much needed entertainment before the Evening Reception Sponsor, evening festivities. Lunch, casual talk, and laptops were humming SBCI Communications , who during the day until the evening event officially kicked off. welcomed over 150 people gathered for the evening portion of Special thanks to our Title Sponsor Verizon Wireless for their the event. It may have been damp outside but inside folks were having a great time. The dedication and support of this outstanding event over the years. Geoffrey Rorback Trio provided the easy listening jazz music as This event would not be possible without the gracious guests enjoyed the fabulous food generosity of our Corporate Sponsors – both old and new. Indian Spring prepared. We were Your dedicated support assures the Center’s continued pleased that Alex Cortright , of success in our mission to serve Maryland families. WRNR Annapolis MD provided his fine talent as Master of Ceremonies. An expert at his 2006 Corporate Sponsors craft, Alex always adds a special Titanium flair to the program. Glock Smidt Engineering It was with great honor that the Frank Herzog & Alex Cortright CCI Printing & Graphic Solutions • Wireless Zone Center and the 2006 Golf Platinum Committee welcomed Frank Herzog of Washington’s top Morris & Ritchie Associates, Inc. • Geo-Technology rated radio station WTOP this year as Honorary Chairperson. Associates, Inc. • Pro-Tel Frank is a news anchor and a free lance screen actor as well. Gold He is probably best known as the AFL Network Services • Asurion • D-Link Voice of the Washington Redskins Electronic Environments • Force 3 • Freestate Electric – a position he held for 25 years, Global Signal • House of Printing • Innovativ Systems Design working with Sam Huff and Sonny Katolight Corporation • Legg Mason Jurgensen. A few fans will McNeal Wireless Services • Network Building & Consulting remember Frank was also the Voice Nokia • Sybase • TelCove • Venable Attorneys at Law of the 1978 World Champion The Washington Post Washington Bullets in the NBA. Silver Frank recanted fond memories D&H Builders • GEICO with the crowd of his days covering the sports circuit. Frank was Jonathan Melnick Fairway Recognition welcomed with great enthusiasm Harley Davidson of Maryland • LG from the guests, with many requesting his appearance at Mid-Atlantic Contracting • Wireless Facilities, Inc. next year’s event. Bronze Andrew Corporation • Capital Building Maintenance The mood was jovial with the excitement of the live and silent Carber Power Technologies, Inc. auctions. Guests were vying for the hottest items this year. Computer Sciences Corporation • M.G. Diamond, Esq. Not surprising that the Pebble Beach Golf trip and, of course Wireless Enterprises, Ltd. the Paul Reed Smith electric guitar had the joint hopping! Friends of The Center Thanks goes to our Center Advisory Board member and live Al Smith Rigging & Fabrication • Heffron Company auctioneer, Jonathan Melnick , Melnick Auctioneers, for Millennium Enginering, P.C. • Motorola • Tenic Corporation serving as the auctioneer again this year.

6 Volunteers 16th Annual he Golf Committee and the Center would like to thank all of the volunteers that were slated to assist with the Verizon Tevent this year. Although we were not able to utilize many folks, some did come out even in the rain to help. Your Wireless-SIDS dedication to the success of this event is worthwhile and we applaud your efforts! The committee would especially like to Golf Committee recognize the core group of volunteers from the Residence Inn Marriott in Silver Spring, MD. Coordinated by Neal De , Members this group of young professionals took time out on a Friday warm t hank you is night to volunteer and work the live and silent auctions. This extended to our group chooses local charities each month and donates their Awonderful group of golf time and services to help. We applaud their efforts! committee volunteers who unselfishly give of their time and talents to assure the success of this event. Many of you may not know that this group of people meet monthly from January through October planning and executing ideas for an entertaining and successful Anne Cook and Mike & Jeanne Shoemaker - Volunteer Awards golf outing. Our hats are tipped to all of you and your This year, the Center recognized Anne Cooke and Jeanne and dedication to the Center for Mike Shoemaker for their volunteer efforts at the annual Infant & Child Loss! Verizon Wireless-SIDS Golf Invitational. Anne has been the Volunteer Coordinator at the event for the past 5 years Rhea Lucas and Brian Felch - assuring that folks are in place to assist our guests. Jeanne Chairs, Frank Herzog - and Mike have also been volunteering for the event for many Honorary Chairperson, years. They both have been instrumental in the smooth Chuck Dohrman, Liz and Bill operation of the event during the evening hours. Thank You! Waller - Chair Emeriti, Volunteers 2006 Anne Cooke , Scott Fava , Christine Kelley , Phelps Heather Carpenter, Adam Carte, Neal De, Terre Dohrman, Kelley , Andy LaPointe , Ellen Scott Fava, Bob Frazer, Janet Freeman, Kitty O’Hara, Heather Herron, Elizabeth Hocombe, Camilla Hyman, Chris Motley , Katherine O’Hara , Kelley, Mariely Perez, Andy LaPointe, Ellen Motley, Heather Sally Parker , Erika Robinson , Morissette, Jennifer Murphy, Jackie Jackson, Margaret Roth Mick Smith , Kathy Wicker, & Sally & Tim Parker, Jeanne & Mike Shoemaker, Valerie Tammy Wolfe Thomspon, Jessy Valcourt, Liz Waller, & Latika Wilson

7 CENTER FOR INFANT & CHILD LOSS Non-Profit 630 West Fayette Street, Room 5-684 Organization U.S. POSTAGE Baltimore, MD 21201-1585 In partnership with Website: www.infantandchildloss.org PAID Baltimore, MD RETURN SERVICE (800) 808-7437 Permit No. 8924 REQUESTED

he Center’s goal is to assist families as they learn to Deadline for live with the loss of their child and to have hope for the Remembering Our Children Services Tfuture. Our programs reach out to bereaved families and the community. Center programs foster hope by offering public December 1, 2006 education, health care provider training, and instruction for emergency responders and others who may provide support. Each of our four programs is designed to meet individual, Insights Insights Insights family, and community needs. For those families who do experience the sudden death of an infant or child, the Center makes immediate contact to give them available information Center for Infant & Child Loss Staff: about the cause of death and support in their grief. Donna C. Becker, RN, MSN 410/706-5062 or 800/808-7437 Jean Edwards, Program Coordinator Visit our web site: www.infantandchildloss.org Alice Powell, Events Coordinator Mary Le Sueur, Bereavement Counselor Center for Infant & Child Loss Affiliation Statement: The CENTER FOR INFANT & C HILD LOSS is within the Division of Behavioral and Developmental Advisory Board Members Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Brian Felch , Advisory Board Chairman, Angela Burden, Baltimore Healthcare Access, George Carroll, CCI Printing & Maryland School of Medicine. The CENTER works closely with the Maryland State Office of the Chief Medical Graphic Solutions, Karen Evanosky, Parent, Chuck Dohrman, Examiner and local health departments. FNMC Mortgage, Past Chairman, David Fowler, M.D. , Office of the State Medical Examiner, Sherry Goldman, M.D. , Parent, Funding Statement: The Maryland State Department of Ronald Gutberlet, M.D. , Chairman, Department of Pediatrics, Health and Mental Hygiene, Center for Maternal and Mercy Medical Center, Ling Li, M.D. , Office of the State Medical Child Health provides grant funds for a portion of the Examiner, Tonya Logan, Bereaved Parent, Jonathan Melnick , Center’s services. Melnick Auctioneers, Karin Mottus , Legg Mason, Robert & Rosemarie Palmer , Parents, Beverly Powell , Grandparent