05/15/2019
Yesterday (May 14, 2002) marked the 17 year anniversary of the day that I lobbied for increased funding for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome causes before the senate subcommittee. In my 15 minute testimony, I shared the devastation and impact of losing my firstborn son, Garrett, to S.I.D.S. on May 11 of 2000. I testified before the
Labor, Health and Human Services and Education
Appropriations Subcommittee and they earmarked $300 million to be granted to the National Institutes of Health. That funding was used to create and implement national training protocols for coroners and medical examiners for S.I.D.S. investigations through the CDC and funding to support risk reduction and grief support training programs for S.I.D.S. in all 50 states here in the U.S.
Our children are our future, and ALL of our children have a rich legacy! As parents and members our villages, it's our duty to pour into our children so that they'll grow into their greatness. And even though Garrett isn't physically here with us, we'll love and miss him until we see him again. ๐ His life and his legacy are what propel the work that I do as a Community Health Educator and Grief Counselor through Garrett's Voice, LLC. Stay tuned for updates on the in-service trainings that will be hosted this summer.
May you give thanks for your children and those in your village and continually encourage, empower and uplift them with every fiber of your being! ๐