What is SIDS? Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) refers to the sudden and unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant, whose death remains unexplained even after a complete post mortem investigation which includes a full autopsy, an examination of the circumstances of the death and a review of the case history. Is SIDS a Rare Occurrence? SIDS is the single leading cause of death of babies in developed countries. It is rare before one month of age, peaks at 2 to 4 months and is rare also after one year of age. It takes the life of 1 out of every 2,000 live-born babies in Canada – approximately 3 babies die of SIDS every week. The rate varies from place to place and from year to year. It occurs in all parts of the world. What Facts should you know about SIDS? SIDS is the leading cause of infant death under one year of age. SIDS can not be predicted nor prevented at this time.  SIDS is not caused by neglect or child abuse. SIDS is not contagious or infectious. SIDSis not considered hereditary. SIDS is not caused by vaccinations or by toxic gases. SIDSoccurs rapidly and silently, usually during period of sleep. SIDS probably has more than one cause although the final death mechanisms appear to be similar.  SIDS is not anyone’s fault. The cause of SIDS is still unknown. What has been learned about SIDS? SIDS is more likely to occur between the ages of 2 – 4 months The baby usually appears healthy, or may just be recovering from a cold. The baby is unexpectedly found death after having been put down for sleep. Tummy-sleeping, side sleeping, tobacco exposure, overheating and sleeping on soft surfaces increase the risk of SIDS. Other risk factors for SIDS, and all sudden infant deaths are: low birth-weight, pre-term birth, multiples, boys slightly more than girls, Aboriginal, teen mothers, little or no prenatal care, smoking or substance abuse during pregnancy. Some babies who died of SIDS may have had less oxygen delivered to their bodies’ tissues, for a relatively long period of time before death, probably even before birth. Why this happened is poorly understood. Risk factors are not causes of death. The vast majority of SIDS babies were well nourished, well cared for and in apparent good health prior to death. For more information on SIDS visit The Canadian Foundation for the Study of Infant Death website  or call 1-800 END SIDS.

For those that would like to participate in this event and cannot attend, please feel free to print a copy of the Keegan's Walk for SIDS pledge form, collect pledges and on September 30th walk for SIDS in your own community.  Mail the pledge forms and pledges to The North Grenville SIDS Affiliate Box 578, Kemptville, Ontario,
K0G 1J0 by September 15th. Or make an online donation through your paypal account .

GIVE EVERY CHILD THE BREATH OF HOPE! All proceeds from this event go to SIDS research & Education through the Canadian Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths http://www.sidscanada.org For more information on Keegan's Walk and the Breath of Hope Run, please email us at: keeganswalk@sympatico.ca Thank You for Your Support! Keegan’s Walk has raised over $60,000.00 since 1999.