Baby Angels Foundation established to support bereaved parents in Minnesota and western Wisconsin

The death of a child is one of the most painful losses a family can experience, and when it happens unexpectedly it can leave them feeling confused and helpless. To help families cope immediately and long after this tragic event, Becca Peden and Serena Gragert have established the Baby Angels Foundation, a nonprofit organization aimed at raising awareness of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and funding much-needed resources for bereaved parents in Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

“There are local agencies that specialize in counseling and support for families who have lost a child unexpectedly; however, many are funded by private donations, which can limit counseling available to grieving families”

With SIDS claiming an estimated 2,100 infant victims in the U.S. and 30 in Minnesota each year, there are many parents, brothers, sisters and grandparents left behind that need a support system. For the survivors, specialized counseling and support resources are few and far between, mostly because of funding.

“There are local agencies that specialize in counseling and support for families who have lost a child unexpectedly; however, many are funded by private donations, which can limit counseling available to grieving families,” says Becca Peden. “The mission of the Baby Angels Foundation is to help agencies sustain the necessary funding needed to provide resources related to sudden and unexpected infant deaths, such as counseling.”

For co-founders Becca and Serena, the Baby Angels Foundation’s mission is personal: both women have lost an infant son to SIDS.

“We understand how confusing and distressing the unexpected loss of a child can be,” says Serena Gragert. “Through the Baby Angels Foundation, we hope to help other parents who have gone through similar situations. We hope that helping others cope will also help us cope with the pain we have in our own losses.”

The foundation’s first initiative is the 5k Run/Walk to Remember held to raise money to help sustain funding for education, resources and counseling through the Minnesota SIDS Center for bereaved parents who have unexpectedly lost a child. A family event, the 5k Run/Walk to Remember will include a silent auction, raffles, face painting, door prizes and more.