Geelong will shine blue today as the community rallies to raise funds and awareness for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in memory of River Waddell.
Schools, child care centres and businesses across the region are getting behind research funding charity River’s Gift this week, taking part in its annual giving campaign Shine Blue.
Participating organisations and community members will wear transferable sky blue heart tattoos on their hands on Friday, over the weekend or next week, with all proceeds going toward the continued development of a SIDS biobank and genetic research at the University of South Australia.
The event marks the 14th anniversary of the passing of River Waddell, who died of SIDS at the age of 4 months.
In memory of their son Alexandra Hamilton and Karl Waddell founded River’s Gift, which is now the nation’s largest SIDS-specific non-profit organisation.
“River was with us for only 128 days…such a short life, but he’s left a legacy that is impacting the lives of others,” Ms Hamilton said.
“I don’t want any other mother to have to wake to this nightmare; this is River’s gift to the world. By community coming together with us on November 7th and Shining Blue, it’ll make such a profound impact.”
Mr Waddell said he was thrilled to see the community coming together to Shine Blue.
“For nearly 13 years, we’ve been searching for answers as to why our healthy and safely slept son lost his life,” he said.
“Genetic research could hold the key to the puzzle and save future lives.”
Visit riversgift.org to support SIDS research.
