Every family who joins this community brings their own story of love, loss, and the search for answers. Today, we’re honoured to share the story of Mylee, and her mum Mel’s incredible journey since losing her.
Mel reached out to us to share Mylee’s story, and the work she has since dedicated her life to. Together, we wanted to bring this story to our community – not only to honour Mylee, but to invite other SIDS and SUDC families to be part of what Mel is building.
In Mel’s words:
“Mylee was a beautiful 15.5 month old little girl. She loved her big brother, and was always so bright and happy. We put her to bed this happy, healthy little girl, and by the morning she was gone.
In my desperate search for answers, I discovered there was no research into SIDS or SUDC in Australia at that time. So I knew if I wanted to see the change, I needed to be the change. I returned to university, completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science, graduated with Honours, and commenced a PhD looking into the microbial and immunological origins of SIDS and SUDC.
There are many challenges working in this space, so I’m also committed to ensuring research in this field is sustainable and viable into the future. A large part of my work has been laying the foundations for future researchers, advocating for procedural change in the coronial system that often blocks research from happening.
This survey is one of those steps forward. We want to hear from bereaved parents about their views on tissue donation during the coronial process, so we can inform how future research happens, in the hope that we can make it not only viable, but sensitive to the magnitude of grief parents are facing at such a vulnerable time.”
Why this matters to our community
Mel’s journey reflects so much of what we stand for at the Cooper Trewin Foundation: taking the unimaginable and using it to protect and inform the families who come after us. Her research, and her advocacy for change within the coronial system, is opening doors that have been closed to Australian families for far too long.
That’s why we’re partnering with Mel to share her survey with our community, because the more SIDS and SUDC families who take part, the fuller and more meaningful the picture becomes for researchers working toward answers.
How SUDC families can get involved
As part of her research, Mel has launched a survey for bereaved parents, seeking views on tissue donation during the coronial process. Your input will help shape how future research is conducted, ensuring it is both possible and handled with the sensitivity families deserve at such a difficult time.
If you are a bereaved parent affected by SIDS or SUDC, we encourage you to take a few minutes to share your perspective.
Thank you, Mel, for your strength, your honesty, and for honouring Mylee through everything you do. And thank you to every family in our community who continues to turn grief into hope for others.
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