Flower planting ceremony to take place at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk, CT On Saturday May 12th First Candle will hold a flower planting ceremony at Calf Pasture in Norwalk, CT to honor mothers who have lost babies due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related infant deaths, stillbirth and miscarriage. First Candle is […]
https://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/mothers-day-memorial.jpg682838adminhttps://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/firstCandle_stacked-color_new-tagline_WEB.pngadmin2018-04-17 19:53:422020-02-24 15:41:02First Candle to Host Memorial Event in Honor of Mother’s Day
First Candle Named an Official Charity Partner of the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon Set for Sunday, November 4, 2018 New York, February 14, 2018 – First Candle was named an Official Charity Partner of the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon, it was announced today by […]
https://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/NYCM18-charity_logo_RGB_full-color_secondary_stacked.jpg328535adminhttps://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/firstCandle_stacked-color_new-tagline_WEB.pngadmin2018-02-22 00:48:062018-08-27 00:09:15First Candle Named an Official Charity Partner of the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon
Yesterday the American Academy of Pediatrics released a new report with the troubling finding that not only have declines in SIDS rates slowed but in some states they have actually increased. What’s more, the report found that from 1999 through 2015, infant death rates from accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed surged 184 percent. The […]
https://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/safe-sleep-environment-6_28753495461_o.jpg20003000adminhttps://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/firstCandle_stacked-color_new-tagline_WEB.pngadmin2018-02-14 00:03:572020-02-20 22:41:38Infant Deaths from Accidental Suffocation Can Be Prevented
Grant Supports Charity’s Mission of Saving Babies’ Lives January 30, 2018 – New Canaan, CT – On Saturday Alison Jacobson, the Executive Director of First Candle, attended the Mid-Winter Conference of the American Legion’s Connecticut Chapter where she accepted the first half of a $16,000.00 Child Welfare Grant. First Candle is the national non-profit […]
https://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Screen-Shot-2018-01-29-at-9.40.01-PM.png585440adminhttps://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/firstCandle_stacked-color_new-tagline_WEB.pngadmin2018-01-30 18:53:472018-01-30 18:54:41American Legion Awards Grant to Non-Profit First Candle
Join First Candle for a virtual mini-retreat to help guide you through life after infant loss. You are free to just quietly listen in or join in the Q & A. You can attend this free event from anywhere with wifi. Grab a cup of tea and a notebook and learn what works to: […]
https://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Q-A-1.png800800adminhttps://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/firstCandle_stacked-color_new-tagline_WEB.pngadmin2018-01-24 17:43:402018-08-27 00:11:17Calm & Comfort Retreat – Guidance for Life After Baby Loss
While the rate of infant mortality due to SIDS has been declining, the rates for non-Hispanic Black infants are still twice as high as that for non-Hispanic White infants. Additionally, the rate for other sleep-related infant deaths is more than three times that of non-Hispanic white infants. In response to these staggering statistics, First […]
Facebook has expanded its set of online fundraising tools to include personal online fundraisers for its users. The new tool allows Facebook users to raise money for campaigns and causes, include memorials, birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries. Nonprofits receive funds directly from Facebook every 15 days. Funds raised support our mission of eliminating SIDS, SUID, and […]
https://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/facebook-fundraiser.jpg349349adminhttps://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/firstCandle_stacked-color_new-tagline_WEB.pngadmin2017-12-21 16:54:002020-02-24 15:44:21How to create a Facebook Fundraiser
Although these holidays with my family bring a lot of joy for me. I also have that little feeling of grief that sits deep in my heart. Every time there is a fun day to celebrate with my children I wish I could also be celebrating with my little one who lives in heaven. She […]
https://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/selenasday1-072.jpg51843456adminhttps://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/firstCandle_stacked-color_new-tagline_WEB.pngadmin2017-12-14 17:46:432020-02-20 22:42:19Why We Put #GivingFirst: “When you lose a baby you feel very alone at first”
It was November 17, 2008, when I received the phone call at work that my baby was in the hospital and I needed to come to the emergency room. I asked the nurse on the phone if she was breathing and she would not answer. I already knew at that moment that she was gone. […]
https://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/alex.jpg960720adminhttps://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/firstCandle_stacked-color_new-tagline_WEB.pngadmin2017-12-13 15:12:592017-12-13 15:13:28Why We Put #GivingFirst: “She’s not replaceable”
First Candle has joined the Newman’s Own Foundation $500k Holiday Challenge and #GivingTuesday, a fundraising competition on the global day of giving. #GivingTuesday harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities, and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. On #GivingTuesday, The Newman’s Own Foundation is awarding $85,000 to the top three organizations to […]
https://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/GF_Nurses.png15621562adminhttps://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/firstCandle_stacked-color_new-tagline_WEB.pngadmin2017-11-21 14:02:462018-08-27 00:09:58First Candle Joins the Global #GivingTuesday Movement with #GivingFirst Camapign
Dear Supporters, Thanks to you, this year we: provided over 600 families with a safe place for their baby to sleep; educated over 5,000 daycare providers, social workers and parents on why placing babies alone in a crib with no blankets can reduce the risk of SIDS […]
https://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Banner.jpg12503000adminhttps://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/firstCandle_stacked-color_new-tagline_WEB.pngadmin2017-11-18 21:42:082020-02-20 22:42:38Here’s why we’re thankful for you this year
My son, Dylan Robert, was born on November 2, 2010, at 38 weeks and was a happy and healthy baby boy. I had the pleasure of spending those first months of his life doing all the things new mothers do. I returned to work and put Dylan in daycare for a few days a week. […]
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and Sunday, October 15th is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. First Candle is joining forces with individuals, local, state and national organizations, as well as corporate and retail partners to increase awareness about these tragic causes of infant death. Shop these sites in October and you […]
https://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/download.png125125adminhttps://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/firstCandle_stacked-color_new-tagline_WEB.pngadmin2017-09-19 01:00:432020-02-20 22:42:51Shop These Sites in October and You’ll Be Supporting First Candle’s Mission
Join Team First Candle in New York City for a memorial walk and ceremony over the Brooklyn Bridge. The Walk is designed as a day of honor and motivation towards healing for families affected by perinatal and infant loss. It attracts people who are empathetic to the cause from all over the tri-state area each […]
https://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/baby-steps.jpg373438adminhttps://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/firstCandle_stacked-color_new-tagline_WEB.pngadmin2017-09-18 15:53:312020-02-24 15:50:08Join us for NYC’s Annual Baby Steps Walk
Last week a study came out with the disturbing finding that less than half of parents surveyed consistently and exclusively put their baby on his or her back to sleep. This unfortunately supports the concern of First Candle that a large percentage of parents either believe that “SIDS has been solved” or that the risk of SIDS compared to […]
https://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/straight-Talk.jpg561743adminhttps://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/firstCandle_stacked-color_new-tagline_WEB.pngadmin2017-09-11 15:03:442020-02-24 15:51:52We Need to Start Talking About SIDS
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and Sunday, October 15th is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. First Candle is joining forces with individuals, local, state and national organizations, as well as corporate and retail partners to increase awareness about these tragic causes of infant death. For those of us who have lost a […]
https://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/de2dbb92-39da-47b6-84f2-0631c2e0f9a6-1.png22502625adminhttps://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/firstCandle_stacked-color_new-tagline_WEB.pngadmin2017-09-11 14:57:562020-02-20 22:43:06Get Involved this October for Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month
Miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss can be one of the most devastating and isolating experiences a parent can face. Thanks to a generous donor, we have started a lottery program to waive the lifetime membership fee to Open Path Collective. Your lifetime membership will allow you to receive psychotherapy sessions that range from $30 to $50 a […]
https://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/sunset-hands-love-woman.jpg8541280adminhttps://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/firstCandle_stacked-color_new-tagline_WEB.pngadmin2017-07-17 14:28:522018-08-27 00:13:17Therapy Within Reach, Apply Now
https://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/f6728e3e-ebc2-489a-bd79-61f4be64716a-4.png22181484adminhttps://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/firstCandle_stacked-color_new-tagline_WEB.pngadmin2017-07-06 19:06:272020-02-20 22:43:27Join us on 10/19/17 in Norwalk, CT for Taste of Heaven Fundraiser
By Missy Ortman, A Little Pink Lemonade For eight years we have had a yearly tradition of participating in a yearly walk/run in memory of babies lost too soon to SIDS. Our “Pink Lemonade” team has been there since the run’s first year. Our tradition each year was to take our family picture with Clara’s sign. […]
https://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/18952635_1499208416797975_5142968755696245881_n.jpg960720adminhttps://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/firstCandle_stacked-color_new-tagline_WEB.pngadmin2017-06-26 16:28:002020-02-20 22:43:38Missing a Special Day
There are so many friends of First Candle who give in various ways. Kelly Farley is a dad who lost not one but two babies. He has channeled his grief into helping other fathers who come to him through our grief line and other organizations. We are so grateful to have him as a resource. The following is his […]
https://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/pexels-photo-196988.jpeg8531280adminhttps://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/firstCandle_stacked-color_new-tagline_WEB.pngadmin2017-06-07 16:51:032020-02-20 22:44:11A Message From A Grieving Father…
Summer is the perfect time to host a fundraiser and raise SIDS and stillbirth awareness. Download our First Candle How To Guide for Special Events and explore these fundraising activities for summer. Visit our Pinterest page for more ideas! Host a Block Party: Bring your community together to raise awareness! Learn how to organize one here. Film Showing: Show a family […]
As the leading national non-profit organization committed to eliminating Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and other sleep-related infant deaths, we feel it’s important to respond to a new study on room sharing released today. The new study analyzed surveys from 230 first-time mothers who delivered at Penn State and found that babies slept for longer […]
On May 27, the family will hold a fundraising block party for the CJ First Candle, at “Legend’s Lemonade Stand.” For a $25 donation, lunch and lemonade will be provided from 2-7 p.m. at 315 W. 20th St. in Long Beach. To donate to Legend’s memorial fund, click here. By Sandy Mazza, Daily Breeze POSTED: […]
https://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/AR-170519403.jpg400562adminhttps://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/firstCandle_stacked-color_new-tagline_WEB.pngadmin2017-05-23 22:16:452017-05-23 22:29:15Diplomas help turn tragedy into triumph at Cal State Dominguez Hills
A Twitter party is a live chat held on Twitter. Use the hashtag #SafeHealthySleep to join the conversation. We will be answering questions about safe sleep and crib safety, with prizes available!
https://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Baby-Crib-Mattresses-20150327_2.jpg6641382adminhttps://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/firstCandle_stacked-color_new-tagline_WEB.pngadmin2017-05-23 02:36:172020-02-20 22:48:00Join us on 5/25 for #SafeHealthySleep Twitter Party
Baby Boxes, free sturdy boxes with a firm mattress, a waterproof cover and a fitted sheet, are being provided to new parents in an effort to reduce infant mortality rates nationwide. These boxes are intended to serve as a safe sleep area when a traditional and recommended sleep area is not available to the parents. As the […]
https://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/imgres.jpg168300adminhttps://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/firstCandle_stacked-color_new-tagline_WEB.pngadmin2017-05-08 15:25:242017-05-08 15:25:24Baby Boxes – What Parents Must Know
For many women, May 14th, Mother’s Day, is an incredibly special time. Unfortunately, for some moms it’s a painful reminder of what might have been. Every year, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, Sudden Unexpected Infant Death and Stillbirth claim the lives of 27,000 babies. Together, we can change this. Show the mom, sister, friend in […]
https://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/c41c3c65-1fff-4178-94b1-fb3dbfdee0c7.png8901250adminhttps://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/firstCandle_stacked-color_new-tagline_WEB.pngadmin2017-05-05 15:58:252020-02-20 22:48:28We Want Every Mom To Hear The Words “Happy Mother’s Day”
Five-month-old Kaiya passed away in 2010 ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC-TV) – Karl Purvis wakes up everyday at 5 a.m. ready to hit the pavement. “I started doing 5k’s and all of the sudden one of my wife’s co-workers was like, I’m going to run a half marathon, would you train with me? And I was like […]
https://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/1c5823c9-16f2-4f2a-bfca-feca99075c65.png13122531adminhttps://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/firstCandle_stacked-color_new-tagline_WEB.pngadmin2017-05-02 18:47:252020-02-20 22:48:41A father is running a marathon to raise money and awareness for SIDS after losing his daughter
At First Candle we love to recognize companies that are getting the word out about the safest way for babies to sleep. Check out this new video from our friends at The Boppy Company and pass it along! For more information, visit: https://www.boppy.com/safe-sleep/.
https://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/boppy-support-pillow-17879986-01.jpg250330adminhttps://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/firstCandle_stacked-color_new-tagline_WEB.pngadmin2017-04-21 21:18:272017-10-10 21:52:05Boppy Shows Parents What Safe Sleep Should Look Like
For parents, family members and friends, the death of a baby is heartbreaking. Often times parents are asked where donations can be sent. First Candle is proud of its ongoing record of keeping administrative costs below the nonprofit standard of 25%. We guarantee that more than 75% of every dollar donated will go to support […]
https://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/FirstCandle_Gala-257.jpg22841523adminhttps://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/firstCandle_stacked-color_new-tagline_WEB.pngadmin2017-04-12 14:25:282017-10-13 17:15:54Starting A With Us Forever Memorial
Join CJ First Candle on May 6, 2017 for the First Annual Forsythia Classic – William’s Memorial Golf Tournament at Simsbury Farms Golf Course in Simsbury, CT. This memorial golf tournament is in honor of William Fountain. William passed away due to SIDS on May 7, 2013 — just five short days after his birth. All […]
https://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/forsythia.jpg375394adminhttps://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/firstCandle_stacked-color_new-tagline_WEB.pngadmin2017-04-08 15:00:382020-02-24 15:55:20Join Us For The First Annual Forsythia Classic in Simsbury, CT
It is Medication Safety Week and we interviewed Dr. Agnes Scoville, an emergency medicine doctor in Los Angeles, California, to discuss medication safety with babies. According to Dr. Scoville, “Many medical studies show that babies frequently get the wrong dose of medicine, in part because they spit it out. Up to 50% of babies receive the wrong […]
https://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Screen-Shot-2017-04-04-at-10.35.22-PM.png236362adminhttps://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/firstCandle_stacked-color_new-tagline_WEB.pngadmin2017-04-05 02:34:002020-02-20 22:49:21It Is Medication Safety Week! Learn How to Give Medicine to a Baby
Today the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report announcing that infant mortality rates have dropped by 15% and the rate of SIDS by 29%. That’s a huge success for those of us working in the field of infant health and survival. While this should be celebrated, there’s still a great deal of […]
https://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/room-sharing-1_28787096825_o.jpg48007248Stephaniehttps://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/firstCandle_stacked-color_new-tagline_WEB.pngStephanie2017-03-22 13:26:012017-03-22 16:05:52The Rate of SIDS drops…but there’s still work to do
Congratulations to Barb Himes, CJ First Candle Director of Education and Training, on her Community Health Network Safety Award! Barb and her team from Community Hospital East in Indianapolis, IN, were awarded for their “Early Initiation of Pumping at Community East Maternity”. They developed a strategy to get mothers of all breastfed babies admitted to the […]
https://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/CHE-Safety-Award-Pic.jpg285588adminhttps://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/firstCandle_stacked-color_new-tagline_WEB.pngadmin2017-02-23 15:48:212017-02-23 15:48:21Our Director of Education, Barb Himes, Wins Award!
According to new safe sleep recommendations, infants should sleep in the same bedroom as their parents – but on a separate surface, such as a crib or bassinet, and never on a couch, armchair or soft surface — to decrease the risks of sleep-related deaths, according to new safe sleep recommendations and guidelines released by the […]
https://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/room-sharing-1_28787096825_o-1.jpg8001200adminhttps://firstcandle.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/firstCandle_stacked-color_new-tagline_WEB.pngadmin2017-02-10 19:00:112017-10-10 21:46:35Safe Sleep Recommendations reduce risk of SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths
First Candle to Host Memorial Event in Honor of Mother’s Day
Flower planting ceremony to take place at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk, CT On Saturday May 12th First Candle will hold a flower planting ceremony at Calf Pasture in Norwalk, CT to honor mothers who have lost babies due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related infant deaths, stillbirth and miscarriage. First Candle is […]
First Candle Named an Official Charity Partner of the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon
First Candle Named an Official Charity Partner of the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon Set for Sunday, November 4, 2018 New York, February 14, 2018 – First Candle was named an Official Charity Partner of the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon, it was announced today by […]
Infant Deaths from Accidental Suffocation Can Be Prevented
Yesterday the American Academy of Pediatrics released a new report with the troubling finding that not only have declines in SIDS rates slowed but in some states they have actually increased. What’s more, the report found that from 1999 through 2015, infant death rates from accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed surged 184 percent. The […]
American Legion Awards Grant to Non-Profit First Candle
Grant Supports Charity’s Mission of Saving Babies’ Lives January 30, 2018 – New Canaan, CT – On Saturday Alison Jacobson, the Executive Director of First Candle, attended the Mid-Winter Conference of the American Legion’s Connecticut Chapter where she accepted the first half of a $16,000.00 Child Welfare Grant. First Candle is the national non-profit […]
Calm & Comfort Retreat – Guidance for Life After Baby Loss
Join First Candle for a virtual mini-retreat to help guide you through life after infant loss. You are free to just quietly listen in or join in the Q & A. You can attend this free event from anywhere with wifi. Grab a cup of tea and a notebook and learn what works to: […]
Program Spotlight: Straight Talk For Infant Safe Sleep
While the rate of infant mortality due to SIDS has been declining, the rates for non-Hispanic Black infants are still twice as high as that for non-Hispanic White infants. Additionally, the rate for other sleep-related infant deaths is more than three times that of non-Hispanic white infants. In response to these staggering statistics, First […]
How to create a Facebook Fundraiser
Facebook has expanded its set of online fundraising tools to include personal online fundraisers for its users. The new tool allows Facebook users to raise money for campaigns and causes, include memorials, birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries. Nonprofits receive funds directly from Facebook every 15 days. Funds raised support our mission of eliminating SIDS, SUID, and […]
Why We Put #GivingFirst: “When you lose a baby you feel very alone at first”
Although these holidays with my family bring a lot of joy for me. I also have that little feeling of grief that sits deep in my heart. Every time there is a fun day to celebrate with my children I wish I could also be celebrating with my little one who lives in heaven. She […]
Why We Put #GivingFirst: “She’s not replaceable”
It was November 17, 2008, when I received the phone call at work that my baby was in the hospital and I needed to come to the emergency room. I asked the nurse on the phone if she was breathing and she would not answer. I already knew at that moment that she was gone. […]
First Candle Joins the Global #GivingTuesday Movement with #GivingFirst Camapign
First Candle has joined the Newman’s Own Foundation $500k Holiday Challenge and #GivingTuesday, a fundraising competition on the global day of giving. #GivingTuesday harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities, and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. On #GivingTuesday, The Newman’s Own Foundation is awarding $85,000 to the top three organizations to […]
Here’s why we’re thankful for you this year
Dear Supporters, Thanks to you, this year we: provided over 600 families with a safe place for their baby to sleep; educated over 5,000 daycare providers, social workers and parents on why placing babies alone in a crib with no blankets can reduce the risk of SIDS […]
When Life Changed Forever — Remembering Dylan Robert McEwen
My son, Dylan Robert, was born on November 2, 2010, at 38 weeks and was a happy and healthy baby boy. I had the pleasure of spending those first months of his life doing all the things new mothers do. I returned to work and put Dylan in daycare for a few days a week. […]
Shop These Sites in October and You’ll Be Supporting First Candle’s Mission
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and Sunday, October 15th is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. First Candle is joining forces with individuals, local, state and national organizations, as well as corporate and retail partners to increase awareness about these tragic causes of infant death. Shop these sites in October and you […]
Join us for NYC’s Annual Baby Steps Walk
Join Team First Candle in New York City for a memorial walk and ceremony over the Brooklyn Bridge. The Walk is designed as a day of honor and motivation towards healing for families affected by perinatal and infant loss. It attracts people who are empathetic to the cause from all over the tri-state area each […]
We Need to Start Talking About SIDS
Last week a study came out with the disturbing finding that less than half of parents surveyed consistently and exclusively put their baby on his or her back to sleep. This unfortunately supports the concern of First Candle that a large percentage of parents either believe that “SIDS has been solved” or that the risk of SIDS compared to […]
Get Involved this October for Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and Sunday, October 15th is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. First Candle is joining forces with individuals, local, state and national organizations, as well as corporate and retail partners to increase awareness about these tragic causes of infant death. For those of us who have lost a […]
Therapy Within Reach, Apply Now
Miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss can be one of the most devastating and isolating experiences a parent can face. Thanks to a generous donor, we have started a lottery program to waive the lifetime membership fee to Open Path Collective. Your lifetime membership will allow you to receive psychotherapy sessions that range from $30 to $50 a […]
Join us on 10/19/17 in Norwalk, CT for Taste of Heaven Fundraiser
Click here to purchase tickets.
Missing a Special Day
By Missy Ortman, A Little Pink Lemonade For eight years we have had a yearly tradition of participating in a yearly walk/run in memory of babies lost too soon to SIDS. Our “Pink Lemonade” team has been there since the run’s first year. Our tradition each year was to take our family picture with Clara’s sign. […]
A Message From A Grieving Father…
There are so many friends of First Candle who give in various ways. Kelly Farley is a dad who lost not one but two babies. He has channeled his grief into helping other fathers who come to him through our grief line and other organizations. We are so grateful to have him as a resource. The following is his […]
8 Summer Fundraising Ideas
Summer is the perfect time to host a fundraiser and raise SIDS and stillbirth awareness. Download our First Candle How To Guide for Special Events and explore these fundraising activities for summer. Visit our Pinterest page for more ideas! Host a Block Party: Bring your community together to raise awareness! Learn how to organize one here. Film Showing: Show a family […]
First Candle Supports Room Sharing to Reduce Risk of SIDS
As the leading national non-profit organization committed to eliminating Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and other sleep-related infant deaths, we feel it’s important to respond to a new study on room sharing released today. The new study analyzed surveys from 230 first-time mothers who delivered at Penn State and found that babies slept for longer […]
Diplomas help turn tragedy into triumph at Cal State Dominguez Hills
On May 27, the family will hold a fundraising block party for the CJ First Candle, at “Legend’s Lemonade Stand.” For a $25 donation, lunch and lemonade will be provided from 2-7 p.m. at 315 W. 20th St. in Long Beach. To donate to Legend’s memorial fund, click here. By Sandy Mazza, Daily Breeze POSTED: […]
Join us on 5/25 for #SafeHealthySleep Twitter Party
A Twitter party is a live chat held on Twitter. Use the hashtag #SafeHealthySleep to join the conversation. We will be answering questions about safe sleep and crib safety, with prizes available!
Baby Boxes – What Parents Must Know
Baby Boxes, free sturdy boxes with a firm mattress, a waterproof cover and a fitted sheet, are being provided to new parents in an effort to reduce infant mortality rates nationwide. These boxes are intended to serve as a safe sleep area when a traditional and recommended sleep area is not available to the parents. As the […]
We Want Every Mom To Hear The Words “Happy Mother’s Day”
For many women, May 14th, Mother’s Day, is an incredibly special time. Unfortunately, for some moms it’s a painful reminder of what might have been. Every year, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, Sudden Unexpected Infant Death and Stillbirth claim the lives of 27,000 babies. Together, we can change this. Show the mom, sister, friend in […]
A father is running a marathon to raise money and awareness for SIDS after losing his daughter
Five-month-old Kaiya passed away in 2010 ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC-TV) – Karl Purvis wakes up everyday at 5 a.m. ready to hit the pavement. “I started doing 5k’s and all of the sudden one of my wife’s co-workers was like, I’m going to run a half marathon, would you train with me? And I was like […]
Boppy Shows Parents What Safe Sleep Should Look Like
At First Candle we love to recognize companies that are getting the word out about the safest way for babies to sleep. Check out this new video from our friends at The Boppy Company and pass it along! For more information, visit: https://www.boppy.com/safe-sleep/.
Starting A With Us Forever Memorial
For parents, family members and friends, the death of a baby is heartbreaking. Often times parents are asked where donations can be sent. First Candle is proud of its ongoing record of keeping administrative costs below the nonprofit standard of 25%. We guarantee that more than 75% of every dollar donated will go to support […]
Join Us For The First Annual Forsythia Classic in Simsbury, CT
Join CJ First Candle on May 6, 2017 for the First Annual Forsythia Classic – William’s Memorial Golf Tournament at Simsbury Farms Golf Course in Simsbury, CT. This memorial golf tournament is in honor of William Fountain. William passed away due to SIDS on May 7, 2013 — just five short days after his birth. All […]
It Is Medication Safety Week! Learn How to Give Medicine to a Baby
It is Medication Safety Week and we interviewed Dr. Agnes Scoville, an emergency medicine doctor in Los Angeles, California, to discuss medication safety with babies. According to Dr. Scoville, “Many medical studies show that babies frequently get the wrong dose of medicine, in part because they spit it out. Up to 50% of babies receive the wrong […]
The Rate of SIDS drops…but there’s still work to do
Today the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report announcing that infant mortality rates have dropped by 15% and the rate of SIDS by 29%. That’s a huge success for those of us working in the field of infant health and survival. While this should be celebrated, there’s still a great deal of […]
Our Director of Education, Barb Himes, Wins Award!
Congratulations to Barb Himes, CJ First Candle Director of Education and Training, on her Community Health Network Safety Award! Barb and her team from Community Hospital East in Indianapolis, IN, were awarded for their “Early Initiation of Pumping at Community East Maternity”. They developed a strategy to get mothers of all breastfed babies admitted to the […]
Safe Sleep Recommendations reduce risk of SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths
According to new safe sleep recommendations, infants should sleep in the same bedroom as their parents – but on a separate surface, such as a crib or bassinet, and never on a couch, armchair or soft surface — to decrease the risks of sleep-related deaths, according to new safe sleep recommendations and guidelines released by the […]