SUDC (Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood) is the sudden and unexpected death of a child over the age of twelve months, which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation is conducted. Similar to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), SUDC is a diagnosis of exclusion – given when all known and possible causes of death have been ruled out. SUDC impacts 1.2 in every 100,000 children over the age of 1, with the majority of cases occurring between the ages of 1 and 4. While this may not seem like very many children, SUDC is still the 5th leading cause of death in toddlers. Presently, SUDC cannot be predicted and/or prevented since its cause is unknown. Researchers are working to identify the cause(s) and risk(s) of SUDC, but SUDC does not receive any federal funding, and this critical research relies solely on private donations. To find out more about SUDC, current research, and how you can help, please visit www.SUDC.org.
SUDC Foundation
The SUDC Foundation is dedicated to increasing awareness, funding crucial research, and advocating for the needs of families affected by SUDC. It is the only organization worldwide devoted solely to the needs of families and professionals touched by unexplained death in childhood. Until a day when no family experiences this tragic loss, the SUDC Foundation will continue to raise funds for research, aid in the creation of state and national legislation to further SUDC investigations, and provide programs and services for SUDC families across the country.