Aug. 29, 2008

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Maryland women's basketball head coach Brenda Frese is teaming up with the Center for Infant & Child Loss at the University of Maryland School of Medicine to raise awareness of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Frese is serving as honorary chair of the 18th annual Verizon Wireless-SIDS Golf Invitational, which takes place Monday, October 6 at Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City, Md. The event raises much-needed funds for the Center.

"Supporting this tournament was a no-brainer for me," said Frese, who is a new mother of healthy twins boys born in mid-February. "As a parent, you wake up every morning wondering if everything is okay. I feel it's critical for me to support this center and do all I can to relay valuable information to parents on how to keep their children safe."

The Center for Infant & Child Loss works to raise awareness of SIDS and other causes of sudden child death, providing free grief counseling to help families copes with the loss of a child. The Center relies heavily on the golf tournament to fund its education and support programs for Maryland parents. Last year, more than 260 golfers participated, raising $130,000.

"This annual tournament enables the Center to fulfill its mission of providing families with compassionate services needed to cope with their loss, so that they can continue to parent, work and be a contributing member of the community," said Donna C. Becker, MSN, RN, the Center's Director.

The Center was founded in 1975 to support Marylanders who have lost a child, up to age 16, suddenly and unexpectedly. All services are offered at no cost. The golf event was founded in 1991.

The 18th annual Verizon Wireless-SIDS Golf Invitational is scheduled for a shotgun start at 11 a.m. An evening reception will follow, with a live auction, smooth jazz music and Master of Ceremonies Alex Cortright of radio station WRNR in Annapolis.

For more information on the golf tournament or to register, donate or pledge a sponsorship, please call (410) 706-3091 or (800) 808-7437, or visit www.infantandchildloss.org. Information can also be obtained by calling John Johnson or Verizon Wireless at (240) 568-1429 or by email at john.h.johnson@verizonwireless.com.

-TERPS-