Grieving the loss of a loved one can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our Peer Connection Program pairs grieving families with volunteers who have walked a similar path, offering support through shared experiences. This program complements professional counseling by providing a compassionate peer friend to listen, share, and understand.
If you or someone you know could benefit from this, request a peer friend today and connect with someone who truly understands. 💛
September is National Self-Care Awareness Month, a perfect time to focus on nurturing your mental, emotional, and physical health.
Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential! Here are some practical tips to help you prioritize your well-being:
💧 Drink Water First Thing in the Morning: Hydrate your body to kickstart your day with energy.
✍️ Write Down 5 Things You’re Grateful For Every Day: Gratitude shifts your mindset and keeps you grounded.
🗒 Make a Menu for the Week: Plan nourishing meals that fuel your body and reduce the stress of last-minute decisions.
🏃♀️ Move for at Least 30 Minutes a Day: Whether it’s a walk, yoga, or dancing, keep your body active!
🎶 Listen to Good Music: Boost your mood with your favorite songs and let the rhythm lift your spirits.
💪 Exercise Regularly: Strengthen both your body and mind by incorporating regular physical activity into your routine.
📚 Read a Book: Escape into a story or learn something new—reading can be a great form of self-care.
🌟 Try Something New: Step out of your comfort zone and experience something different—it can be refreshing and fun!
🍽 Have a Family Dinner: Connect with loved ones over a meal. Shared moments with family nourish the soul.
Remember, self-care is about finding balance and creating habits that make you feel your best. Let’s make this month the start of a long-term commitment to YOU! 💛 Save for Later!
On #InternationalLiteracyDay, let’s broaden the conversation to include grief literacy. Just as we learn to read and write, we can also learn to understand and support those going through grief. Being grief-literate means recognizing that grief is a personal journey for everyone, offering empathy, and knowing when to listen rather than trying to fix things.
Let’s build a more compassionate, understanding world—one where we are not only literate in books, but also in the emotions that connect us all. 💛 https://sudc.org/grief-resources/
Today is Grandparents Day, and we want to honor and recognize the incredible strength of those within our SUDC Community. Your love, resilience, and enduring presence are a testament to the powerful bond you shared. Today, we stand with you and acknowledge your strength. 💛
Today is your day.
Small, simple acts of self-care can make a big difference. Whether it’s a short walk, a cup of tea, or just a few moments of deep breathing, take time today to nurture your body and mind. 🌿
Naming your emotions is the first step towards healing. Whether it’s sadness, anger, or numbness, acknowledging what you feel can bring clarity and relief.
How are you feeling today? 💭
Our Sibling Card is a valuable resource for children who have experienced the loss of a sibling.
This card can be shared with the child’s medical community or pediatrician, providing essential information about SUDC and the family’s experience. It helps explain the situation without requiring you to share specific details if you’re not ready to do so. This ensures that your child receives the understanding and support they need during this difficult time.
Download the sibling card here : https://sudc.org/literature-brochures/
#ThoughtfulTuesday: The journey through grief is often complex and deeply personal. Understanding the 🔟 Stages of Grief can provide valuable insight into your own healing process:
Ugly - The raw, intense emotions that may feel overwhelming.
Raw - The vulnerability and openness to experiencing pain.
Numb - A period of emotional detachment or disbelief.
Searching - The quest for meaning and understanding in the midst of loss.
Redefining Values - Reevaluating what truly matters to you.
Rebuilding Self - The process of reconstructing your identity.
Reintegrating - Gradually returning to daily life with new perspectives.
Restoring Purpose - Finding new meaning and direction as you move forward.
Open to HOPE - Embracing the possibility of healing and renewal.
The Rest of Your Life - Learning to live with your loss while continuing your journey.
Each stage is a crucial part of the healing process, guiding you through the pain and toward restoration.
👉Which stage resonates with you the most right now?
On this #LiftMeUpTuesday, let’s reflect on a powerful thought: 'I have decided that the only way to live is to embrace grief. For grief only exists where love lived first.'
💖 Grief is a testament to the deep love we have experienced. It reminds us that our hearts have been touched profoundly and that we have loved deeply. Embracing this truth allows us to honor those feelings and find strength in them.
Share this message with someone who may need a reminder today that their grief is a reflection of their immense capacity to love.
Here at The Sudden Death in Childhood Foundation, we're committed to advancing research in three impactful ways:
🔬 FUND: We provide crucial financial support to drive groundbreaking studies.
📜 ENDORSE: We advocate for and promote research initiatives that can make a difference.
🔍 IDENTIFY: We identify key areas for research focus to uncover answers and save lives.
Together, we're making strides in understanding and preventing childhood tragedies.
The new school year can be tough for families affected by SUDC. Anxiety and memories can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help. In this blog, we cover key tips:
🌟 Open Communication: Talk openly about feelings.
🌟 Establish Routines: Create a daily schedule.
🌟 Visit the School: Familiarize your child with the environment.
🌟 Plan for Triggers: Develop coping strategies.
For a more in-depth discussion on these tips and access to the full toolkit, read our blog. Together, we can support grieving siblings.
➡ https://sudc.org/navigating-back-to-school-anxiety-preparing-for-potential-triggers/
For many of us, this yearly reminder is just the motivation we need to finally sit down and create a last will and testament. 📑 💲 This is also an excellent opportunity to consider leaving a bequest to the SUDC Foundation too.
These gifts have a significant impact on our family service programs and research initiatives, without putting any financial stress on you during your lifetime.
📨 To learn more please contact Elizabeth Milliken, Director of Development at [email protected].
