Little Billy SIDS Support Official Launch

"And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." ~ Romans 5:2-5

This is a verse that my family and I have held tightly onto over the last 7 months, since the unexpected loss of my nephew, Billy. God has revealed so much of himself through the grieving process and as of yesterday the hope is starting to shine through. Yesterday, November 1, 2008 what would have been William Thomas Darnell, Jr's (Billy) 1st birthday became the day that his mommy and daddy, Cheryl and Bill Darnell launched their foundation in remembrance of his short life. Little Billy's SIDS Support can be found at www.littlebilly.org. This foundation developed from the unexpected and tragic loss of Billy at 5 months on March 29, 2008. As my family has worked through the grieving process there comes the realization that we are not the only ones that have suffered the loss of a little one to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). There are countless families who do not get the opportunity to say good-bye to their sweet baby for the only sign of this unexplainable syndrome is death.

Cheryl and Bill Darnell, through their grief and love for their son, have developed Little Billy's SIDS Support as a way to help other families who suffer the same kind of pain. This foundation exists to help with the financial demands that come with losing a child to SIDS (hospital bills, funeral costs, burial costs, etc), as well as giving families a connection to other families who have suffered the same kind of loss, connections to grief counseling/ministry, etc.

This is a cause very near and dear to my heart. Billy was not only my sister's son, but he was my nephew...one of my boys. I do hope if you do nothing else you will visit the website and read more about what this foundation is doing to help others, and maybe consider (if you are able) contributing in some way.

Thank you,
Cristyn : )