You Cannot Protect Yourself From Sadness Without Protecting Yourself From Happiness -Jonathan Safran Foer
Citrine and sapphire beams reflected off the stained glass and blended into a chartreuse spotlight which provided a focal point in the center of the room. The high, bright, welcoming notes of the lone robin on a low branch of the cherry blossom outside the open window contrasted with the somber rustling of song book pages tarnished with tears. The scent of a meadow filled with roses and lilac permeated the air, but strangely, this “meadow’s” flowers were all pale white.
Some men carried the small white casket to the front of the church while the angels lifted the soul to its heavenly home. On May 29th, 2008 at 2:30 pm, 8 pounds, 13 ounces Frank "Andrew" Demarco came into this world. Andrew was a peaceful happy baby who lit up every room. He looked just like my mom and had the most mesmerizing sepia-brown eyes. His time with us was tragically cut short on June 23rd, when he passed away from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
My name is Alexa, and I loved being Andrew’s older sister. When Andrew was born, I never left his side. I sang to him and fed him. We had a special bond. He was my “ buddy,” and I miss him terribly. This is why I created The Frank Andrew DeMarco Foundation to memorialize him and educate others about SIDS with the hope other families do not need to suffer the horrific loss that my family did.
I started by researching SIDS and learned about the statistics, the risk factors, and the current research being done. My family reached out to other families who had lost a child to SIDS, and found comfort in their shared experiences. We found purpose and solace in organizing fundraisers, speaking at events, and reaching out to local hospitals and pediatricians to spread awareness about safe sleep practices. I worked with support groups for families who had lost a child to SIDS, offering them a place to connect with others who understood their pain. Frank lives on in the work my family and I have done to help other children live.
