Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) Awareness Month - March 2019

This month, March 2019, the Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic is highlighting Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) Awareness Month and the Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) Foundation. Today alone, 500-1,000 people will die from sudden cardiac death. Most of these will be elderly people affected by Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), but not all.

The SUDC Foundation is devoted to helping families who have lost a seemingly healthy child (ages one to eighteen) from sudden, unexpected and unexplained death. Because this tragic topic gets so little attention, little funding is available for it. But the SUDC Foundation works to promote awareness, advocate for research and support those affected by SUDC.

Did you know that Sudden Unexpected Death in Childhood is the 5th leading category of death in children ages 1-4 years old?

Below, Dr. Michael J. Ackerman, a genetic cardiologist at Mayo Clinic, discusses why awareness of Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood is imperative and reads a very powerful letter from a mother who tragically lost her son to SUDC.

We encourage everyone to get involved in SUDC Awareness Month. The SUDC Foundation provides great ways to get involved by providing a theme each week.  You can also download their poster to share with others or donate to support the SUDC Foundation. Another great resource is the Mayo Clinic Connect groups. Check out the Heart Rhythm Conditions discussion to talk to others affected by genetic heart rhythm diseases or visit the Loss & Grief group to find and give support for those suffering from loss.