Archer was a relatively healthy, little boy. He suffered ongoing ear infections his whole life, but apart from that, there was no reason for us as parents to be concerned that our happy little man just wouldn't wake up one morning. We were past the dreaded 1-6 month age where the SIDS risk was at it's highest, and to be honest, we were never really concerned about SIDS anyway - because it wouldn't happen to us, right? On the 4th of July 2015, our lives changed in the worst possible way, our little boy was gone.

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In the early days/weeks after losing Archer I was put in touch with SIDS and Kids (which is currently the only support service for parents who lose their child suddenly and unexpectedly) while I am extremely thankful for the support SIDS provided, I could not relate to the parents I was put in touch with, as their children passed away in utero, were stillborn or were much younger than Archer. I didn't feel like I fit in, I didn't have a place for my grief.

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After around 8 months of waiting, we finally received his reports back. They stated that his Autopsy results were unascertained - meaning they could not give us a definitive cause of death. To deal with the loss of your child and then to be told no one knows why is unbearable.

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As most people do when they want to find answers I started searching the internet and came across the SUDC Foundation. I hesitated to contact them at first as they are an American organisation and I didn't think I would 'qualify' for their services, but I did and they welcomed me with open arms (regardless of where I lived) The SUDC Foundation provides email support groups for parents & Grandparents, funds a crucial research program and also advocates on behalf of SUDC parents.

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I personally couldn't bear the thought of other parents not knowing where to turn after a tragedy so our mission with Answers for Archer is to raise as much awareness about SUDC amongst the Australian population, to eventually set up support services here in Australia and to help fund the research into finding a cure for SUDC.