Join First Candle/SIDS Alliance as They "Light" the Way to a Future Where All Babies Survive and Thrive

On this day, in communities across America, expectant moms will feel their babys first kick; parents will listen joyfully to their newborns first cry; and families will celebrate the birthday of a healthy baby. - Also on this day, seven babies will be lost to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS); more than 70 new parents will have listened sadly to their stillborn babys silence; and countless lives will be lost to miscarriage and other sudden, unexpected infant deaths. First Candle/SIDS Alliance is working to provide every baby with the best possible change to survive and thrive.

(PRWEB) October 9, 2004 -- October is SIDS/Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and First Candle/SIDS Alliance (the nations leading organization dedicated to infant health and survival) is joining forces with individuals, local and national member organizations, as well as corporate and retail partners to increase awareness about these tragic causes of infant death. Individuals can show their support by lighting a candle at 7:00 pm on Friday, October 15 to celebrate the lives of the thousands of babies that have died this past year. Contributions are also being solicited to support the organizations bereavement programs and services.

It is our goal at First Candle to make it possible for every baby to celebrate not only their first birthday, but many happy birthdays beyond," says Dr. Marian Sokol, president of First Candle. By expanding our mission to include stillbirth and other causes of infant death, we will be taking the knowledge that we have gained in reducing SIDS rates nationwide by nearly 60 percent and using it to save even more precious lives."

Despite this tremendous success, SIDS remains the leading cause of death for infants one month to one year of age. According to recent statistics, the majority of SIDS and accidental suffocation deaths are occurring in unsafe sleep conditions. First Candle reminds parents and caregivers of the importance of providing a safe sleep area for their baby. With education alone, we know we can save many more lives," says Sokol. To learn more about safe sleep and other ways to help your baby survive and thrive, visit the First Candle website at www.firstcandle.org.

In addition to promoting infant health and survival, the organization supports medical research into causes and/or cures for SIDS, Stillbirth and other infant deaths. Until recently, stillbirth research was almost nonexistent. Thanks to funding at the National Institutes of Health and organizations like First Candle and the International Stillbirth Alliance (ISA) there is now an international movement to try and understand and prevent stillbirth deaths. It is with research that we stand to gain the most in our search to find the answers families so desperately need," says Laura Reno, Director of Public Affairs for First Candle. Until we find the answers, we must keep the flame burning."

First Candle/SIDS Alliance is a national, nonprofit, health organization dedicated to promoting infant health and survival during the prenatal period through age two with programs of advocacy, education and research; while at the same time providing compassionate grief support to those experiencing an infant death. For more information on helping babies survive and thrive, to access local support services or to make a donation, please call 1.800.221.7437 or visit www.firstcandle.org