Balloon launch to help SIDS research

By Nancy Spencer, The Delphos Herald
Published:  Wednesday, June 6, 2007 (1 year, 3 months ago)
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klausings.jpgDELPHOS — Sudden Infant Death Syndrome claims the lives of almost 3,000 infants a year in the United States. Almost 100 of those deaths occur in Ohio each year.
More children will die of SIDS this year than will die of cystic fibrosis, childhood heart disease, childhood cancer and child abuse combined.
In spite of all the research to date, no one can yet say why.
Brad and Kendra Klausing and their families are familiar with these statistics. Their daughter, Aubrey Lynn, died of SIDS on Nov. 30, 2006, at the age of 6 months.
“We want people to know how much it happens,” they said.
Kendra reads all she can about what happened to their daughter and the pair attend a grief group with other parents who have lost children to SIDS.
“For one day a month, we can feel like we’re not different from other people,” Kendra said.
“It’s comforting to be with people who have had the same thing happen to them,” Brad added.
The lack of explanation has left the couple searching for a way to keep this tragedy from happening to someone else.
Another parent in a grief group they attend suggested a balloon launch and the Delphos natives took it and ran with it.
“We wanted what we did to be a celebration of the time we did have with Aubrey and also help SIDS research,” Brad said. “It will be an emotional event.”
“The launch will raise money for SIDS research so this doesn’t have to happen to anyone else,” Kendra said.
The event will give the Klausings some closure and allow their supporters to do their part. Donations will be accepted for a card to write a birthday message to Aubrey that will be attached to the balloons. The money raised will go to SIDS research.
The cards will be available in the office of the Delphos Herald from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Checks can be made out to First Candle/SIDS Alliance or the MISS Foundation. The deadline for cards is June 15.
The launch will take place on June 24 at the Springboro Cemetery near Dayton.
Kendra is the daughter of Sue and Charlie Wilkin and John and “Toots” Sherrick. Brad is the son of Denny and Connie Klausing.

2 Reader Responses to “Balloon launch to help SIDS research”

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  1. #1 — Added 1 year, 1 month ago

    My name really is Aubrey Lynn just like Brad and Kendra’s precious little girl. My daughter died from a “sudden death” at 31 weeks gestation. My husband and I are devistated. We want to begin a foundation in our daughter’s name to prevent this from occurring to others or at least give them answers we were unable to receive. I like the balloon fundraiser and I was wondering if I can get the details because I’d like to do it for my Lorraine. I hope to hear from someone soon.
    Thanks,
    Aubrey Brooks

    Posted on July 13, 2007 at 2:49 pm by Aubrey Lynn Brooks

  2. #2 — Added 5 months, 2 weeks ago

    I think what you are diong is a wonderful idea. My wife and I lost our 3 month old son Mathias Isaiah to SIDS on Oct 26 2006. I think you baloon launch is a wonderful thing. Can you please tell me more about how you are planning this. I would love to try this with our VA SIDS ALLIANCE. I am a board member and we are always looking for new ways to raise money for more research. Your idea is AWESOME! I love it. Thank you very much for your time and I am sorry for you loss as well.

    Posted on March 24, 2008 at 3:21 pm by chris beardsley