June 1996 Announcing another addition to SIDS Support services ... ~~~ Circle of Support ~~~ The Circle of Support can be reached from the SIDS NETWORK's SIDS Information Web Site at: http://sids-network.org What is the Circle of Support? The Circle of Support is a group of individuals who have been touched by Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, who are willing to share their time and talents with those who are seeking support and information. How does this apply to me? All of us (whether we are parents, siblings, grandparents, extended family, foster parents, day care providers, co-workers, friends, health care providers, first responders, clergy, funeral directors, etc.) need some form of support, whether immediately following the death our precious babies, during a particularly difficult anniversary or milestone date, or years later for no particular reason. It is said that certain dolphins and whales display a social activity for other dolphins or whales needing support. The healthy ones circle the needy one and provide physical support to help the healing process. Why might this work for me? There is no equal substitute for a physical meeting to exchange feelings, or to just listen and talk. Sometimes a phone call to a special person fulfills that need. However, more times than not, a void exists because our emotional needs don't always coincide with meeting dates, there may not be a support network locally available, phone calls are not practical, or we just do not wish to deal with others face-to-face. This portion of the SIDS Network's growing SIDS Information Web Site may help fill that void. ------------------------------------------------- How can I use this Web Site to find support? There are several options that may help you: * The SIDS Web Site Table of Contents provides access to information about SIDS organizations that may be able to connect you to a local support network. * Consider joining the SIDS Listserver Discussion Group. This is an open forum discussion area for issues related to SIDS. * Connect with one of the volunteers who make up the core of the Circle of Support. Please remember that this is not meant to be a sole means of support, but rather a part of your support network. The individuals on this list may not be trained professionals. Their greatest assets include caring hearts and a willingness to help. * Read the many pages of information ranging from grief issues, First Person stories, Memorials, research information, etc. that is available at the SIDS Web Site Table of Contents . ---------------------------------------------------- How can I help others? * Consider joining the other volunteers who make up the core of the Circle of Support. * E-mail us your comments, ideas, and contributed articles for the various areas of the SIDS Web Site Table of Contents. * Help translate some of the basic SIDS information found on the SIDS Web Site Table of Contents into other languages. People everywhere, speaking any language, are in need of the basic facts about SIDS and information about risk factors. * Other ways to help can be found here. ---------------------------------------------------- This is a first of its kind, all volunteer effort. It is a true grass roots effort that is rooted in the hearts of the individuals who have chosen to become involved. Because this effort has no precedence, the depth of its success is untested. The SIDS Network, Inc. is proud and honored to test these uncharted waters. The opinions and comments offered by the individuals involved, are not necessarily those of the SIDS Network, Inc. The SIDS Network, Inc. has made many efforts to allow all sides of an issue available. The Circle of Support can be reached from the SIDS NETWORK's SIDS Information Web Site at: http://sids-network.org We hope the Circle of Support benefits many people. Deb and Chuck Mihalko, co-founders SIDS Network, Inc. June 1996 SIDS Network 9 Gonch Farm Road Ledyard, Connecticut 06339 USA email: sidsnet1@sids-network.org Web Site: http://sids-network.org 800-560-1454 - voice 860-887-7309 - fax