From loss to legacy: Gift supports SIDS research at CWRU

After the unexpected loss of their son, Luca, to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), Tony and Laura Corsi of Mayfield Village, Ohio, were determined to help prevent other families from experiencing a similar tragedy. Through a trust they established, Love Luca, the couple began organizing fundraising events in the Cleveland area to support efforts addressing SIDS. 

Although SIDS is the leading cause of death for infants between 1 month and 1 year old in the U.S., the cause of SIDS is still unknown. So as they considered how to best make an impact, the Corsis recognized that research would be the most effective way to honor their child.

“We know SIDS is underresearched to begin with, but who's really focusing on the root cause?” Tony Corsi asked. “We found that Case Western Reserve is doing exactly that.”

After learning about research led by associate professor Peter MarFarlane at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine—minutes from their home—the Corsis knew this was where Love Luca could have the greatest impact. 

“Even if we lived in Arizona or California—away from this university—this is where I would want to donate to,” Tony Corsi said. 

Through a $25,000 commitment over the next 10 years, the Corsis hope researchers will be able to better understand and detect factors that cause SIDS and, therefore, identify ways to stop it from happening.

The Corsis also hope their commitment will show other parents who have lost a child to SIDS that they’re not alone—and inspire them to support research advancements. 

“I know when it happened, I just wanted somebody to talk to who went through a similar situation,” Tony Corsi said. “It would have helped me to know that there's research being done and that people care. So if somebody's searching online, and they come across this, now they know there's a trust for it.”