Give Back Denver – Josh and Gus’s Run for a Reason – SUDC

As a local business, I do what I can to give back to the community that I serve.  If I could there are so many events and organizations I would choose to contribute to.  But of course we all can only do so much and so I am a bit picky as to what I choose to contribute to.  I was a sponsor for the First Josh & Gus's Run for a Reason and I am writing a check for this year's event right after I write this.  I am a dad, and that is the reason.  I also hope everyone in our community will strongly consider participating in this event.  I know that many of my local real estate colleagues read this, wouldn't it be something if we all supported this event together?

I have asked my wife to guest author today to tell you about this very special event.  And so here she is….

Why you Should Pencil In –  Josh & Gus's Run for a Reason
guest author  - Laura Scheer

I have been a member of a local Mother's Group since before my youngest was born.  For a while the membership was quite large, and I didn't know every member.  I do faintly remember hearing the name Tami Gove, I think I may have read her name on a playgroup roster.  But sadly, I never met her until tragedy struck.  I remember getting emails, a heart wrenching announcement that 15 month Josh Gove had died in his sleep.  Arrangements for meals.  And the like.  I remember being so incredibly sad for this family I barely knew. 

I remember the very first Josh & Gus's Run for a Reason.  Gus McDonald was a little boy that died of the same tragic circumstances.  I remember recognizing Lunden McaDonald from a tv news segment promoting the event.  She was now pregnant and almost due.  I remember seeing Tami Gove at Clement Park that day, she was so busy, and I wanted to say hi, but I wasn't sure I could look her in the eye.   I was afraid I would tear up and I didn't want to do that to her.  I barely knew her and I didn't feel I had the right.  But besides remembering them that day, I mostly remember all of the posters.  There were posters of Josh and and of Gus but then there were photos of others.  Many more than I would have thought.  I was truly shocked.  Here I was, a mother of two – well versed and educated on every hidden danger lurking beneath the shadows and yet I had no idea. 

SUDC, Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood is the diagnosis given when a child dies suddenly without reason and every other explanation is excluded.  SUDC is very rare and there has not been a very big awareness of this diagnosis.  Similar to SIDS, SUDC occurs when the child dies suddenly but after 1 year of age.  The SUDC Foundation was founded in 2001 and is a part of the CJ Foundation for SIDS. 

I truly admire the Gove and MacDonald families.  I have seen them not only do a tremendous job of fundraising for SUDC, but I have heard stories of the support they have given others, even nationwide.  I have seen Lunden McDonald on national media broadcasts and Tami Gove rise to the occasion each and every year and produce a splendid event honoring & remembering these children.  I applaud everything these two families are doing to bring SUDC awareness to the general public.   

Josh & Gus's Run for a Reason is on Sunday, September 23rd at Clement Park in Littleton, CO.  Click here for a google map of Clement Park.

What I know now, that I wasn't ready for that very first year – is this is a celebration.  Yes it is a remembrance, but the Gove's and the MacDonald's share this day with the community not only to raise funds for SUDC, but to have an event each year to celebrate their children's memory & cherish their lives.  It is a wonderful event for the whole family.  Unlike that first year, I now know I will be able to find Tami that day and give her a squeeze and a smile.  And my entire family will be by my side.

There is a 5K Run/Walk and a shorter 1 mile Family Fun Walk loop around the lake in Clement Park.   There are family fun activities through the event as well as a silent auction, entertainment and refreshments.  Registration is now open and volunteers and sponsors are still needed.   If you can't make it, donations are accepted as well.  All raised funds will support the education and research of SUDC and is a division of the CJ SIDS Foundation. 

If you are from out of town, you can also find a Run for A Reason event near you.  If you or someone you know would like to learn more about SUDC, click here. 

I hope you will pencil it in, register, and join in.  This is a very family friendly event for all. 

All photos were used by permission of Tami Gove, Josh & Gus's Run for a Reason.  Thanks Tami.  Statistical information was gathered at www.sudc.org