Home > When a Baby has Died > Memorial Opportunities > National Tree of Hope Memorial

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SIDS and stillbirth may claim tiny lives, but it is no small matter. At the national conference in Pittsburgh in November 1993, First Candle/SIDS Alliance announced its plan to build a Tree of Hope as a lasting memorial to the young victims of SIDS. This permanent tribute to the thousands of babies who have died of SIDS represents our loss and our love in a way that nothing else can.  With the expansion of our mission in 2001, babies whose lives have been lost to Stillbirth will be memorialized as well. 

The first public viewing of the Tree of Hope took place on June 23, 1996, at the opening day of the Fourth SIDS International Conference held in our nation's capital. As envisioned by the artist and sculptor, Sandy Werfel, the Tree of Hope features leaves in burnished copper (for girls) and brass (for boys) and a carved walnut trunk. Large foundation stones support the Tree of Hope at the base, and blossoms of life and wings of peace are interspersed among the leaves.  

In the presence of parent representatives from across the United States and more than thirty nations from around the world, the SIDS Alliance dedicated over 300 leaves and 12 foundation stones as engraved reminders of the lives interrupted too soon.  

We invite you to join us in honoring the memories of our babies by helping to grow the Tree of Hope today!   

Individual leaves are offered, in commemoration, for a $100 contribution. Benefactor recognition is available at the following levels: Foundation Stone ($1,500); Blossom of Life ($5,000); and Wings of Peace ($10,000)  

To order and pay for your memorial on line, please click here.

For more information on the Tree of Hope, or to place your order by phone, please contact First Candle/SIDS Alliance toll-free at 1-800-221-7437.