Fernando’s Hope 5K Walk/Run grows in its fourth year of raising awareness, funds for SIDS research

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is the number one killer of infants. A baby that seems perfectly healthy can be put to bed at night and never awaken.

The unthinkable happened to Oscar and Kristina Flores six years ago. Their son Fernando was born June 16 joining big brother Juan. He was a growing, happy baby and the life of Grandma Fuemmeler’s birthday party August 15. But he did not wake up the morning of August 16, a victim of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, commonly known as SIDS.

The Flores family moved from Kirksville to Moberly and opened the Santa Fe Mexican Restaurant. Life was busy with work and Juan, but Tina decided she needed to do something positive to keep Fernando’s memory alive and to help others who have suffered this great tragedy.

Tina decided to host the run on the Saturday nearest June 16, Fernando’s birthday. The first year was a learning experience but many of her family members turned out to help, something which continued through this year. Funds from the 5K Walk/Run go towards research and help people obtain books that explain the syndrome and help them through the grieving process. It is also a fun event and earns points for the serious runners.

More photos of the Run, including the winners, are on Page 5 of today’s Moberly Mirror. Also on that page are some tips that research has shown can reduce the incidence of SIDS. There is also contact information for anyone who is going through the loss of a child or anyone who would like to contribute.

Oscar and Tina have added to their family, Elijah and Oscar Fernando who was born this spring. Three boys who, except for their size, look very much alike. But the family considers Fernando its special angel. Tina once said, “Some only dream of angels. I held one in my arms. Fernando came to help me reach out to others, to be a better person.”

Safe Sleep for Baby

Reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

1. Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep, for naps and at night. The back sleep position is the safest, and every sleep time counts.

2. Place your baby on a firm sleep surface, such as on a safety- approved* crib mattress, covered by a fitted sheet. Never place your baby to sleep on pillows, quilts, sheepskin, or other soft surfaces.

3. Keep soft objects, toys, and loose bedding out of your baby’s sleep area. Don’t use pillows, blankets, quilts, sheepskin, or pillow- like crib bumpers in your baby’s sleep area, and keep all items away from your baby’s face.

4. Do not allow smoking around your baby. Don’t smoke before or after the birth of your baby, and don’t let others smoke around your baby.

5. Keep your baby’s sleep area close to, but separate from, where you and others sleep. Your baby should not sleep in a bed or on a couch or armchair with other adults or other children, but he or she can sleep in the same room as you. If you bring your baby into bed with you to breastfeed, put him or her back in a separate sleep area, such as a bassinet, crib, cradle, or a bedside cosleeper (infant bed that attaches to an adult bed) when finished.

6. Think about using a clean, dry pacifier when placing your infant down to sleep, but don’t force the baby to take it. (If you are breastfeeding your baby, wait until your child is 1 month old or is used to breastfeeding before using a pacifier.)

7. Do not let your baby overheat during sleep. Dress your baby in light sleep clothing, and keep the room at a temperature that is comfortable for an adult.

8. Avoid products that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS because most have not been tested for effectiveness or safety.

9. Do not use home monitors to reduce the risk of SIDS. If you have questions about using monitors for other conditions talk to your health care provider.

10. Reduce the chance that flat spots will develop on your baby’s head: provide “Tummy Time” when your baby is awake and someone is watching; change the direction that your baby lies in the crib from one week to the next; and avoid too much time in car seats, carriers, and bouncers.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

SIDS Resources Inc.

1120 S. Sixth Street St. Louis, MO 63104