I’m proud to share with you a snapshot of the work of First Candle and some of the good work in which we are engaged. We’ve learned a lot from you and all those who are concerned about the loss of infants from SIDS, Stillbirth and other Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths.

As the cradle of all society, we know that the survival of these tiny citizens should be a matter of public concern, as there is no other time period where life and death are so painfully conjoined. Through strong effort of the many staff and volunteers of the past 30 years, we are thankfully positioned to prevent such precious voices from becoming lost in the public discourse.

Like many of you in this economically historic era, First Candle has faced new challenges and continue to work through hard times. Families across the nation are finding even fewer options for help and education. Underserved populations are particularly vulnerable to isolation and misinformation. These gaps concern us, but the vision and focus – given to us from our families – are strong guides for navigation.

There is still much to discover, along-side other stellar organizations in the field. If our experience has taught us anything, it’s that answers can come from surprising directions. How we look for them will change as our world does, as quality ideas surface through you and the continuing work of researchers and our staff. Now, in a digital age, more voices are coming to us than ever before, and in different ways. We are preparing ourselves to receive and manage larger amounts of information and welcome your participation. Your confidence is invaluable to us and is so deeply appreciated.

The following pages will give you a taste of the current initiatives in which we’re engaged. The efforts we must all make in the next years will be undertaken in the same way we’ve made accomplishments in years past – together. Together, our actions form a beautiful legacy to the voices of every infant we celebrate. We continue to work in their names.

Stay tuned,
Susan Gerber Berning          Lynn Caddell
Chief Executive Officer        Board of Directors Chair