"It's not how long the flower blooms, but how beautifully."

This online memorial was created in loving memory of Ryan Mancini, whose life story is told throughout this memorial website. Please sign Ryan's guest book and let us know you came to visit. We will remember Ryan forever.

From the moment we found out that we were having Ryan we fell in love with him. Little did we know how much that love would grow once he was here. Ryan was born on April 9, 2008; he was a happy vibrant boy from the day he arrived. Ryan was born 9 days early and entered this World  the same way he lived his life, fast and furious.

December 12th was the last day we were graced with our beautiful boy on this Earth. My husband Kevin, Ryan's dad went to work at the Fire Station that day. Ryan gave his dad a very big hug and kiss, followed by a sweet good bye, love you. Ryan and I then went to visit my sister and Ryan's cousin Kaili, they went to a Children's Christmas party together. Kaili and Ryan were running around like crazy all day, he laughed and smiled non-stop. After taking a nap and heading home, Ryan and I went to a friends Holiday party. We stayed at the party for just over an hour, Ryan ate a few cookies and he wanted to be held so I knew he was sleepy. Before leaving the party I changed Ryan into his favorite fire truck PJ's, and we said our good byes. It was a chilly night, and as I walked up the street holding Ryan tight, he talked non-stop, noticing the Christmas lights, and the basketball hoop as we passed. Ryan fell fast asleep on the way home, and I carried him to his crib, gave him a kiss, and said my very last night night baby. I got up in the middle of the night to give him his binky, and that was the last time I got to see my little boy alive. That night is forever engraved in my mind.

When we had Ryan here not a day went by that we didn't feel lucky and blessed to have him, Ryan made us a very happy family. The journey we had with our little boy was cut too short, and why we may never know. What we do know is that in the 20 months we shared this Earth with Ryan, were the most amazing moments of our lives. Ryan was able to experience so much in his short life, we have such amazing memories of camping at Acadia, playing in the sand in Key Biscayne, driving the boat in Maine, and just making everyday an exciting adventure for us. Ryan had an infectious laugh that could win over anyone who was lucky enough to hear it. He loved to be around people so much, we constantly had people asking for a much needed “dose of Ryan” He was curious about his surroundings and needed to know how everything worked. Some of his favorite things were, visiting his daddy's fire truck, reading with me, jumping on the bed, playing with his basketball, trips to the playground, and long bike rides.

We love you to the moon and back...

Ryan was lucky enough to have wonderful aunts and uncles who loved him so very much. He has 6 cousins to grow with, Ella was like his twin, Kai Kai was his partner in crime, Sophie was his little mom, Josh was his vacation buddy, and Thomas and Owen were his favorite little babies. Ryan had a very special place in his heart for each of his grandmothers, they were his Grammy and  Nanny, he would light up as soon as he saw either one of them. Some of his favorite times spent with them were trips to the library, walks to the park, feeding the duckies, and looking for bunnies in the yard. He loved Papa and his big truck,and loved to wear slippers like Poppi Brian.

Somewhere over the Rainbow

We are certain that we have a guardian angel now. God speed little man, we love you eternally to the stars and the moon and beyond, forever your momma and daddy.

Please support the SUDC

The SUDC Program was created at the CJ Foundation for SIDS in September 2001 by two mothers (Laura Crandall and Chelsea Hilbert) who lost their toddler aged children to SUDC and approached the CJ Foundation for support and answers. Today, the SUDC Program raises research funds and provides a centralized resource for information, support and advocacy. It serves families and professionals affected by the tragedy of SUDC, and promotes awareness of SUDC in communities. SUDC Facts Occurs in children over the age of 12 monthsIs a diagnosis of exclusion- assigned when all known causes of death have been ruled out Its incidence is approximately 1.2 deaths per 100,000 childrenIn comparison, the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is 45 times more common We do not know of any way to reduce the risk of SUDC It is unpredictable and unpreventable at this timeResearch dollars are crucial in uncovering the mystery of SUDC What is SUDC?

Please help raise awareness of SUDC

SUDC is not new, but it is rare with a reported incidence of 1.2 deaths per 100,000 children, compared to 54 deaths per 100,000 live births for SIDS (United States, 2005). Presently, SUDC cannot be predicted and/or prevented since its cause is unknown. Most SUDC deaths occur between the ages of 1 and 3, but researchers have looked at cases of children as old as 15. Researchers are working to identify the cause(s) and risk(s) of SUDC. But until a day when no family experiences this tragic loss, the SUDC program will continue to raise funds for research, aid in the creation of state and national legislation to further SUDC investigations, and provide programs and services for SUDC families across the country.

Forever in our hearts

The SUDC Program has grown exponentially since its inception, mainly due to SUDC families across the country raising critical research dollars and raising major public awareness about this mysterious malady. Since 2001, the SUDC Program has raised a cumulative total of over $1 Million dollars for SUDC research, awareness and support services. Research for SUDC is making progress, but continues to require increased funding- currently no federal funding of the SUDC Research Project exists. It is solely dependent on private donations. To help support the mission of the SUDC program secure online donations can be made through www.sudc.org or mailed to: The SUDC Program. c/o CJ Foundation, 30 Prospect Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601 For more information on the SUDC Program, visit www.SUDC.org or contact Laura Crandall, SUDC Program Director at 800.620.SUDC