Run for the Angels is Sunday
DEVIN HEILMAN/dheilman@cdapress.com | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 10 years, 3 months AGO
COEUR d'ALENE - When Liz Montgomery's baby son, Mason, died in April 2003, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) was suspected as the cause.
"At the time it was accepted as a SIDS death, but now, 11 years, later we know it was probably due to an unsafe sleep environment," Montgomery said.
Now, the Rathdrum mom is putting her heart into educating and supporting others who have experienced the tragic occurrence. As the executive director of the Inland Northwest SIDS Foundation, she and many volunteers are organizing the third annual Run for the Angels 5K family fun run/walk, which takes place beginning at noon Sunday in Riverstone Park.
"The biggest thing is we want families to know they're not alone," Montgomery said.
Montgomery is also not alone in losing a child to an unsafe sleeping environment. She said a high percentage of alleged SIDS deaths are caused by overheating, suffocation or other factors, but investigations are not always as efficient as necessary.
"Until our state really gets on board with the other states in the nation with a thorough death scene investigation, health history of the baby and an autopsy, it's going to be very difficult to determine our true SIDS deaths versus deaths due to unsafe sleep conditions," she said.
The 2014 Run for the Angels events start with kids activities at noon, including a bouncy house, face painting and a cotton candy machine. A silent auction with items such as Gonzaga basketball tickets and Coach handbags will be from noon-2 p.m.
The opening remarks and remembrance ceremony are at 2 p.m. with the run following at 2:30 p.m. During the remembrance ceremony, babies' names will be read and balloons will be released.
Montgomery said it is a way "to keep our babies' memories alive, and hopefully reach out to other families in the community."
A crib bumper drive will also be one of the activities at the run. People can exchange bumpers for Halo sleepsacks, which are safe alternatives to blankets and bumpers in the crib.
According to Idaho's vital statistics report from 2010, Idaho ranks 17th highest in the nation when it comes to SIDS/SUIDS (sudden unexpected infant death syndrome). Idaho is one of five states that do not require licensed childcare providers to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations on safe infant sleep.
The Inland Northwest SIDS Foundation offers a free safe sleep class at Heritage Health the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m.
For information about the Run for the Angels or sleep class, visit www.inwsids.org or call 557-4371.
ARTICLES BY DEVIN HEILMAN/DHEILMAN@CDAPRESS.COM
A better way to manage poverty
Social entrepreneurship and poverty alleviation seminar set for Thursday
2015 Ford Focus goes to Lake City High senior
Tom Addis gives car to student for the 17th time
COEUR d'ALENE - Lake City High School senior Max Johnson was in disbelief when he realized he was the winner of a brand new car.