Stories: Forever in our Hearts

We became involved with SADS when our 19 year old son, Brian collapsed and died during class at MSU. He felt ill and asked for permission to leave to get some fresh air. He collapsed in a courtyard thatwasn’t heavily trafficked. He was not discovered for thirteen minutes and attempts to revive him were futile. He was pronounced DOA at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. Our lives shattered. ... see more

My experience with the SADS Foundation has always been beneficial, but in different ways over the past 2 ½ years. It began with a phone call I made searching for answers after the sudden and unexpected death of my healthy fifteen year old son Brian. SADS provided information and much needed support. Nowhere else could I talk with anyone who could make any sense of the words we received from the medical examiner in Dallas, “We found your son to be in normal, healthy condition.” With the help ... see more

Three-year-old Brianna's favorite color was yellow and her favorite restaurant was the hot dog stand outside Home Depot. At 18 months she strapped on her first pair of skis and spent Saturdays forever chasing a soccer ball. She loved playing with her brother and noticed everything. ... see more

Brittany's light burns strong. Brittany Valene (1996-2005) was born on February 17, 1996 as a young, happy, and vibrant young lady. Over her years, Brittany made many friends and touched many lives. She was always willing to lend a helping hand, pick those up who had fallen, and smiled at everyone she made contact with. ... see more

I lost my son almost 18 years ago of the same thing. Back then it didnt have a name and it was deemed as "natural causes". His heart stopped all of a sudden while eating breakfast with my older daughter. My husband was with him and by the time I got to the hospital he was already gone. My heart still aches for my son.... see more

I lost my beautiful daughter, Casey May Whitney, at the tender age of 14. Her unexpected death has left a hole in my heart that will never be filled completely again. Casey never displayed any symptoms of heart issues, and was a healthy, active teenager that was a cheerleader, photographer, sister and friend. ... see more

She was the picture of health: a beautiful, caring, fun eighteen-year-old college student when she was found dead by a public safety officer. Challis Blum had always been active and athletic. During high school she had loved to play flag football, and always enjoyed swimming. Challis learned to lifeguard, wanting to help others enjoy the water as she did. She also loved music and played baritone in the school band and hand bells in the bell choir. At home she spent time playing the piano for us.... see more

I had no idea what LONG QT Syndrome was until May 2003. I was 3 years too late to save my son and 10 Months to late save my daughter! My Mom was taken to the hospital for what we thought was an anxiety attack; she was having rapid heart rhythm and fainting spells. She was diagnosed with Long QT, a rare and hereditary heart disorder that can only be found when you are alive. This doesn't show up in autopsies. It is commonly misdiagnosed as epilepsy.... see more

On August 7th, 2008 our lives changed forever. Our daughter Courtney Renee Sizelove left this world to enter into Heaven’s Gates, just one week before her 18th birthday. She would have started her Senior year in just a few weeks at Madison Grant High School. Courtney was an active student who loved to play tennis at Madison Grant. Her future plans were to attend Indiana Wesleyan University.... see more

Cynthia Dailard, a beloved wife and mother of 2 daughters, and a senior public policy associate at the Guttmacher Institute passed away on Dec. 24, 2006 after suffering cardiac arrest as a result of previously undetected Long QT Syndrome. She was 38 years old. ... see more

Dalton Motlow was a very special seventeen year old boy. He has been described by many people as being trustworthy, respectable, compassionate and responsible. Although being diagnosed with Long Q T Syndrome, he didn't let it stop him from doing some of his favorite things such as taking care of animals (volunteering at the SPCA), fishing with his dad or just hanging out with his friends. Dalton had always been taught that everyone is here for a reason and everyone here has a job to do. Well Dal... see more

Daniel Matthew Mauriello, known to the world as Danny, lived a life so full of love, laughter, and big adventures. But there was also heartache and pain (although he would never let you know it). He overcame more obstacles than most people do in their entire life. Danny was 6 years old and was the strongest person you could have ever met. He defied many odds against him, cheated death many times; but on the day of his passing, the Lord took him home.... see more