Ways to Help | Overview
Taking action against sudden unexplained death in pediatrics (SUDP)
In 2010, Taylor Cosmas died as a result of SUDP at just 5 months old. Determined to raise awareness of SUDP, her parents Mark and Katie Cosmas organized a 170-person team called “Team Taylor” to participate in a fundraising run. That first year, they raised $4,000 for a national sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) organization. Inspired by their success, Mark and Katie upped the ante, starting their own event, Team Taylor’s Arcadia Fun Run, and have raised more and more each year. In the meantime, they still searched for answers to Taylor’s unexplained death.
After extensive research, the Cosmas family’s quest for answers led them to Boston Children’s Hospital and Robert’s Program. Mark and Katie formed a 501(c) (3) Foundation, Three Butterflies, to distribute the monies raised to the best and most active researchers in the country. In July 2014, the couple proudly presented Kinney with $75,000.
Three Butterflies’ efforts just keep growing — in 2016 the foundation raised $100,000 for Boston Children’s.
Creating your own event
Many bereaved families find solace in taking action. Like the Cosmas family, Jerene Boudreau has found it healing to fundraise in memory of her son, Landon. Through an annual hockey game, she brings her community together to remember Landon and raise funds for Robert’s Program. With COVID-19, she reimagined her efforts for 2020 and instead organized a birthday fundraiser for what would’ve been Landon’s third birthday. No matter how you’d like to fundraise, the Fundraise Your Way team is here to support your efforts and help you make it a success. Get started at www.bostonchildrens.org/fundraise.
Honor and memorial giving
Lynnette Lowrimore, whose grandson Barrett Edward Tallman died as a result of SIDS in 2012, also finds meaning in trying to spare others the suffering her family has endured. After discovering the promising work taking place at Boston Children’s, she established a fund at Boston Children’s to honor Barrett’s legacy and support Kinney, Goldstein, and their team. In addition to making her own contributions to the fund to mark special occasions — birthdays, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day or to thank someone for a kindness — Lynnette has inspired others to do the same. She has raised nearly $100,000 and counting. Barrett's parents have also hosted an annual event, “Biking for Barrett,” which has raised more than $50,000 for the program.
In lieu of flowers …
Bereaved parents may wish to honor their child’s memory by suggesting that instead of sending flowers, friends and family consider donating to a specific program or organization in the child’s name. To support Robert’s Program at Boston Children’s, family and friends may wish to donate online by going to bostonchildrens.org/RobertsProgramGiving or by sending a check made out to Boston Children’s Hospital, including the child’s name and “to benefit Robert’s Program” in the memo line, and mailed to Boston Children’s Hospital Trust, 401 Park Drive, Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215-5301. Our hearts go out to all families who have experienced the devastating loss of a child. On behalf of the children who have left this world too soon, we pledge to work tirelessly in pursuit of answers.
Make a gift to Robert’s Program today, or contact Mary McGloine at mary.mcgloine@chtrust.org or 617-355-5333.