Raising Awareness About Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood

Mercia Grant is a resident of Baldwinsville in New York City with active involvement in community-centered philanthropy. Some of the organizations she supports are the Easter Seals and Boys Town, Veterans of Foreign Wars, St. Joseph's Indian School, and Paralysed Veterans of America. Mercia Grant also contributes to the awareness and fundraising activities focused on sudden unexplained death in childhood (SUDC).

Sudden unexplained death in childhood is the unexpected demise of a child between ages one and eighteen that remains inexplicable after autopsy or review of medical history. The SUDC Foundation is an international organization that aims to foster awareness, contribute to research, and assist those overwhelmed by SUDC. The foundation advocates for research through funding, endorsing, and participating in studies looking into the causes of SUDC.

Furthermore, SUDC leads efforts to conduct thorough death investigations, fair treatment, proper health care, and exhaustive data collection to enhance the understanding of SUDC. It provides individualized care and promotes a community of support for bereaved families, so they are not alone during the grieving period. It offers these services free of charge. 

The SUDC Registry and Research Collaborative

Dedicated to helping others by contributing to and volunteering in charities, Mercia Grant participated in events to raise awareness and fund researches on Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) in 2012 and 2018. Both events were in memory of Lily Mercia Sateriale, the granddaughter of Mercia Grant. They raised funds for the SUDC Foundation.

A category of death that occurs with people between 1 and 18 years of age, SUDC is characterized by a sudden passing that cannot be explained after investigation. The SUDC Foundation was officially created in 2014 to increase research on SUDC, support families affected, and promote awareness.

One way the foundation helps with research is by granting funds to the SUDC Registry and Research Collaborative (SUDCRRC), which aims to increase the understanding of the causes and risk factors of SUDC to develop preventive options. To do that, SUDCRRC analyses cases by reviewing the child's death and their family and medical history. Another part of the process is to perform neuropathology evaluations, neuroimaging, and genetic analysis on the child who passed away.

The parent or guardian of the child could participate in the SUDCRRC if the child had 11 months through 18 years of age when they died unexpectedly. Cases of an apparent homicide, suicide, or accident are excluded.

American Legion Issues Coronavirus Warning

A former senior patrol clerk, Mercia Grant served with organizations such as the Boston Metropolitan District Commission. Throughout her career, Mercia Grant has been involved with various nonprofits, such as the American Legion, which advocates on behalf of American military veterans.

The Legion recently issued a statement focusing on the coronavirus outbreak, noting that members must exercise caution in their daily lives due to how quickly the as-yet incurable virus can spread. The group has encouraged its members to practice social distancing - keeping a minimum of about 6 feet between themselves and other people, as recommended by health experts.

In addition, the American Legion notes that members can practice the Buddy Checks system, safely checking in on loved ones to ensure they are doing well. The organization also urges its members to stay up-to-date with medical advice by visiting websites such as those operated by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization.