"Each new life...
No matter how fragile or brief...
Forever changes the world."
Violet Catherine Rood and her twin sister Alise Ruby Rood were born on August 1, 2013, at 25 1/2 weeks, to Alan and Rachel Rood. Violet was with her family for a day and a half and Alise for 3 days. The girls have very special names. Violet Catherine was named after her great grandmothers on her daddy's side. Alise's name is after her maternal grandma and her mommy's Godmother. Ruby is after her maternal great grandparents.
Alise was born 1 minute before her sister, however she was much smaller. She weighed 1 pound 2 ounces. Alise had a little bit of a wave to her hair and was much more petite like her Mommy. She may have been tiny, but she was mighty! In her 3 short days with her family, she showed everyone how feisty she was. She was such a fighter.
Violet may have been 1 minute younger than her sister, but she was definitely bigger! She weighed 1 pound 8 ounces. She looked a lot like her Daddy. She definitely had his nose and his feet. Violet was a lot more mellow than her sister, but seemed stronger. Her paternal grandma noticed that the inside of her ear was in the shape of a heart. This seemed appropriate since her and her sister stole so many people's hearts in their short time here.
Although Violet and Alise were here for just a short time, they are loved and missed by so many. "Gone but NEVER to be forgotten...FOREVER in our hearts!"
"How very quietly you tiptoed into our world, only a moment you stayed. But what an imprint your footprints have left upon our hearts." (Author unknown)
Michael "Mikey" David Keene
February 5, 2013 - January 5, 2014
Thomas Stephen Fic
September 28, 2012 - December 1,2012
Michael "Mikey" David Keene was born to Sarah Walsh and Adam Keene on February 5, 2013. He was
taken to heaven on January 5, 2014. Mikey has 2 big sisters, Alexa and Jordan Keene and a big brother,
Adam Keene, Jr.
Mikey's Mom, Sarah, shared this with us... "Mikey and his favorite big sissy, Alexa, loved to eat popsicles
togetherand they both loved chasing each other and laughing. Before Mikey went to bed each night he,
his sissy Alexa and their mommy, Sarah, would cuddle up together and Alexa would read her school book
for Mikey. Mikey, his brother and big sisters all loved eating cheeseburgers from McDonald's together,
playing peek a boo and tickling each other.
Mikey has a large family including grandparents, Mike (he was a Papa's boy!), Kathy an Willie; great grandparents, Dave, Mary, Myrna & George. He also has many cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, and special people in his life including his aunt and uncle (also his God parents) Dave and Courtney, and his special friend Jade.
As soon as Mikey was born he made a huge impact on the world. Just as any mans' man, he put his mommy into labor on Super Bowl Sunday! Although he was sick often, he was always such a big boy and was never cranky. Even after he had surgery he was a big boy. He still smiled, laughed and acted like nothing had happened. Anyone that met him complimented his mommy and daddy on what a good boy he was and how big of a personality he had! He was always smiling and he always won over the hearts of everyone with his huge smile and the love he gave. Mikey was taken a way from his family way too early, but with the 11 months he was here he made a huge long lasting impact on the world. He loved his daddy but he was a momma's boy and he is very special to all of us!
To Mikey from mommy - I'll love you forever, I'll love you for always. As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be."
Thomas Stephen Fic was born to Brian Sr. and Suzanne on September 28, 2012. He passed away on
December 1, 2012.
Tommy had 3 brothers; Brian Jr., Michael and Steven and 3 sisters; Christiana, Taylor and Angelica.
Tommy's Mom, Suzanne shared this with us, "MOMMY LOVES TOMMY!"
Violet Catherine Rood
August 1, 2013 - August 2, 2013
Alise Ruby Rood
August 1, 2013 - August 4, 2013
James Francis Davis, Jr. (Jimmy) was born September 14, 1992 to Jim and Betty Davis. Jimmy passed away
from SIDS on November 29, 1992.
Jimmy has 2 older sisters, Jacki and Jenni and a younger brother, Joey.
Jimmy's family shared this with us, "Jimmy was our little sunshine. He brought light into our lives every single
day for the short time that he was with us and we will forever miss him."
James Francis Davis, Jr. (Jimmy)
September 14, 1992 - November 29,1992
Ruby Alessandra Stech was born March 24, 2014 to Jay and Tiffani Stech. Ruby was born at 40 weeks and 2
days. She was born not breathing and without a heartbeat. Although they resuscitated her, she passed
away a little over 5 hours later.
Ruby has two older brothers, Vincent and Everett.
Ruby touched so many people's hearts in her short life and continues to do so today.
"She is more precious than rubies, nothing you desire can compare with her." ~Proverbs 3:15
Ruby Alessandra Stech
March 24, 2014
Karla Marie Flint was born on November 17, 1974 to Rebecca Roth and Alan Flint. Karla passed away from
SIDS on December 22, 1974.
Karla has two older sisters, Kathie and Karen.
Karla's Mom, Becky shared this quote with us, "Too Small, Too Sweet, Too Soon."
Karla Marie Flint
November 17, 1974 - December 22, 1974
Justin Carl Huckstep was born sleeping on October 16, 1990 to David Huckstep (Jennifer Huckstep) and
Renee Hutchinson (Eric Hutchinson).
Justin has 3 siblings, Nicholas Huckstep, Megan Huckstep and James Hutchinson.
Justin's Mom Renee shared with us that there are two songs that remind her of her precious angel Justin.
Those are: "Tears in Heaven" and "Who You'd Be Today."
Brett Adam Hoy was born on July 20, 1991 to Jon Hoy and Dana Hoy Blanchette. He passed away from SIDS
on September 18, 1991.
Brett has one big brother, Nathan, who was 3 years old at the time of their loss. Younger sister, Allison was
born 22 months after Brett passed away.
Brett's Mom, Dana shares this with us, "Brett was a happy baby. He smiled often when talked to. Although
we only had him with us for 8 1/2 short weeks, he changed our lives forever. He will never be forgotten."
Justin Carl Huckstep
October 16, 1990
Sara Elizabeth Jones was born sleeping on April 21, 2013 to Bryan and Gina Jones.
Sara has an older brother named Owen. While Gina was pregnant with Sara, Owen was laying his head on
his Mommy's belly when Sara kicked him in the head. Owen said, "Mommy that hurt!" Sara's mom, Gina
says, "The memories we have of her are very wonderful. She was loved by many people. She will always be
in our hearts."
Brett Adam Hoy
July 20, 1991 - September 18, 1991
Sara Elizabeth Jones
April 21, 2013
This page is dedicated to the precious angels who are forever in our hearts.
Note: Memorials on this page are for ANY type of infant loss...NOT just babies who passed away from SIDS.
Cannon Cruze Pankau passed through this world on September 1st, 2013. He was born at 5:30pm and
passed 1 hour and 54 minutes later, weighing just 1 lb and measuring 10.2" long. This perfect little angel
was born in Corvallis, Oregon to McKinley Davis and Joshua Pankau. He is survived by his big sister Paige
(14 years old). He is also survived by his great grandmother, grandparents, aunties, uncles, cousins, and
many other family members from Oregon, Washington, California and Hawaii. He passed away at 20
weeks 2 days gestation due to a placental abruption. Cannon has touched many lives in the community of
Corvallis and Albany, OR and although his soul was only here but a short time he left a BIG impact. We love
you son!!!! See you at the gate!!! Love always, Mommy & Daddy (written by Cannon's Mom, McKinley)
Cannon Cruze Pankau
September 1, 2013 - September 1, 2013
Titus Franklin Bellephant
February 3, 2003 - February 3, 2003
Cyrus and 3 sisters, Genesus, Joyous and Justus. Titus lived for 15 hours and passed away on February
3, 2003.
Angie learned while she was pregnant that her son was going to be born with Potter's Syndrome (aka:
Bilateral Renal Agenesis). Titus also had Branchio-oto-renal (BOR), a dominant genetic condition that
can result in kidney anomalies. Although medical workers, some friends & family thought that she
should abort Titus, Angie close to carry her son. Titus lived for 15 hours and even his pediatrician was amazed by his strength and determination to live. Angie decided, while she was pregnant with Titus, that she would write a book for others who might be facing this same situation. That is how the book, "Giant Hero" written by Tracy Ahrens as told by Angie Bellephant, came to be. "Giant Hero" is about losing a baby to Potter's Syndrome. This book is a great resource for anyone whose baby has been given the diagnosis of Potter's Syndrome. It also is used as a tool to teach what Potter's Syndrome and
Branchio-oto-renal are and how to obtain further information. This book takes parents through the diagnosis, birth and years that follow the loss of a Potter's baby. "Giant Hero" is a beautiful tribute to Titus as well as a fact-based explanation of what Potter's Syndrome is and where to find support.
A beloved local pediatrician in Bourbonnais has a quote in Giant Hero that is very powerful. "'Blessed' are the souls whose purpose in life is completed in a few hours. 'Chosen' are the parents to bear these blessed souls." ~ Dr. Naina Batish
Angie, Titus's Mom, shared this with us, "Titus showed me the meaning of love and brought me love in so many ways, ways that others will never know. He will forever be my special gift sent from above. His strength taught me so much that it can't even be put into words. You will forever be my courage when I want to give up. I love you always and forever. You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me when skies are gray, you'll never know how much I love you, please don't take my sunshine away. Love your Mommy."
Maxx William Albury was born February 24, 2008 to Justin Albury and Niki Albury. He has 2 older siblings,
Joel and Cate. Maxx passed away from SIDS on July 12, 2008.
Niki, Max's Mom shared this with us, "Maxx was a very smiley baby that greeted me every morning with
the biggest grin. I used to say how blessed I was to wake up to that beautiful smile every morning. Maxx
had such a huge belly laugh for a little baby, he would laugh so deeply from his belly. Maxx loved playing
pull the hair game with his older siblings, Joel and Cate. He was 100% a Mama's boy. Maxx never went
anywhere without his binky and security blanket that had a giraffe's head attached. We called it his
"bubbles blankie," as when I was pregnant with Maxx we nicknamed his bubbles. Maxx was so loved and
adored by all of us. He only had to whimper and we ran to his beck and call. Maxx had us all wrapped around his little finger and he knew it and loved it. He is missed more than words can ever say...Maxx William Albury forever 4.5 months old.
Maxx William Albury
February 24, 2008 - July 12, 2008
Note: The tributes below are not listed in any specific order.
They are added to the bottom of the page as they are received.
Jael Dolores Alison Herchak was born into heaven on May 6, 2013 to Marc and Jasmin Herchak.
Jael has 4 older siblings, Markus, Milan, Jaxon and Jorja.
Jael's Mom, Jasmin asked us to include this quote in her precious baby girl's memorial tribute... An angel in the book of life wrote down our child's birth, then whispered as she closed the book,
"Too beautiful for Earth!"
Jael Dolores Alison Herchak
May 6, 2013
Novah Ryan Zirkelbach was born on August 23, 2012 to Jason and Karissa Zirkelbach. Novah has two big
sisters, Rylee and Harley. They adored their baby brother so much!
Novah passed away on June 3, 2013. Novah's Mom Karisa states that day was a normal day. Novah was
happy, healthy and smiling like always. She said he was getting tired and they were getting ready to leave
his Grandma's house, so she put him in his car seat and he fell asleep. His oldest sister was sitting next to
him when he woke up suddenly gasping for air. Novah's Grandma administered CPR and he was taken to
the hospital by ambulance, where he was pronounced dead after over an hour of the doctors working on him. Karisa says that God allowed Novah to join him heaven that day.
Novah's Mom, Karisa shared this with us, "Novah Zirkelbach was the happiest baby boy anyone ever knew. He lit up the room with his bright smile and touched so many lives. Please Shine Like Novah and pass his story along."
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." ~ Matthew 5:16 "Shine on baby boy!"
Novah Ryan Zirkelbach
August 23, 2012 - June 3, 2013
Elizabeth Rae Siefken was born August 28, 2011 to Jim and Jen Siefken. Elizabeth and her twin sister Emma
were born prematurely. Emma is Elizabeth's only sibling and she is doing really well. Elizabeth passed away
on September 22, 2011.
Elizabeth's Mom, Jen shared this with us, "As with a lot of families, our time with Elizabeth was so short. I
do love the memories of her while she and Emma were growing inside of me. Elizabeth was a "mover and a
shaker." Whenever I tried to get the girls to move around a little by lightly tapping on my belly, Elizabeth always responded. Seeing Elizabeth and Emma during ultrasound exams was by far the purest experience of joy that I had ever felt. By the end of Elizabeth's brief life, I knew without a doubt that she was one of the two strongest people that I'd ever been blessed to know. She fought harder than anyone I had ever seen. I love Elizabeth so much and am so proud of her. What a lucky mommy I am to have gotten to have Elizabeth in my life."
Elizabeth Rae Siefken
August 28, 2011 - September 22, 2011
Jeremy Steven Bensema was born on September 27, 1991 to Melissa Walden Donahue and Richard Bensema.
He passed away from SIDS on November 16, 1991.
Jeremy is the big brother to two siblings, Ashley and Aidan.
Jeremy's Mom shares this with us, "Jeremy was a very alert baby, bright-eyed and inquisitive from the
beginning. Named Jeremy because his daddy was a Chicago Blackhawks fan, he loved watching hockey with us
while sitting in his swing staring at the colors as they jumped on the television. The family dog at Melissa's
parents' house was finicky as to who was permitted near Jeremy, almost as if she was a "mommy" too. He loved to be held and was the only of the children who was very attached to his pacifier. (It had to be the blue one because of others were offered, but he wouldn't take them.) His first smiles started around 4-5 weeks and his first plane trip was about a week before he passed away, coming home from his first visit to meet family in Ohio. Jeremy was the only child who met his great-grandmother (Melissa's grandmother), as she passed about eight months after he did. Choosing one memory is difficult, as there are so many, but one favorite memory that stands out is great-grandma being ordered not to use stairs and not carry anything heavier than 10 pounds. That being said, during our visit, nothing was going to stop her from carrying that little man up the stairs, all 13 pounds of him. I choose that memory over the horror of the day we lost him. Hands down.
A beautiful baby, he is sorely missed every fall, and his two younger siblings share in celebrating his life."
Jeremy Steven Bensema
September 27, 1991 - November 16, 1991
Isabella Joan Gilpin was born on June 8, 2009 to Jill Gilpin and Brian Marzullo. Isabella passed away from
SIDS on December 11, 2009.
Isabella has an older sister, Danielle and an older brother, Lucas.
Isabella's Mom says her favorite memory of Isabella was when she'd come home from work every morning
and Isabella would just light up when she would see her Mom. That was Mommy / Baby time and it will
always be her Mom's greatest memory.
Isabella Joan Gilpin
June 8, 2009 - December 11, 2009
Jace Jeffrey Sowa was born on February 27, 2013 to Jeffrey and Amy Sowa. He has an older brother named
Deagan who is 3 years old.
Jace was always such a happy baby. He loved to sit with his mom while watching his brother and daddy play.
Jace passed away July 18, 2013. He is greatly missed by his family.
Jace Jeffrey Sowa
February 27, 2013 - July 18, 2013
Sergio Alexander Bunda Shevlyakov was born August 21, 2009 to Olga Shevlyakova and Sergio Bunda.
Sergio passed away on October 7, 2009.
Sergio is now an older brother to Gabriel Alexander, who was given the same middle name in baby
Sergio's memory.
Sergio was a beautiful little boy with a dimple on his right cheek and was already so full of personality.
Daniel Joseph Shea
September 11, 1955 - November12, 1955
Daniel Joseph Shea was born September 11, 1955 to Elmer and Kay Shea. Daniel passed away from SIDS on
November 12, 1955.
Danny has a twin sister named Kathy. He also has two older siblings, John and Peggy. His sister Peggy and
his father Elmer have since joined him in Heaven.
Danny's twin sister Kathy would like to say to him, "Danny, as your twin sister I feel your presence every day,
you are a part of me. I wait for the day when we are reunited."
Sergio Alexander Bunda Shevlyakov
August 21, 2009 - October 7, 2009
Dylan Richard Denton was born February 23, 2010 to Daryl Denton and Maegen Bush. He passed away
from SIDS on March 28, 2010.
Dylan loved being held by his grandparents and receiving baths from his Mom and Dad.
Dylan's family has done a fundraiser in Dylan's memory to help raise money for SIDS Education and
have done a Balloon Release the last 3 years in his memory as well. In Dylan's short stay he touched
many people's lives.
Dylan Richard Denton
February 23, 2010 - March 28, 2010
Ethan Michael Ratliff was born April 8, 2009 to Sam and Kelly Ratliff. Ethan has a big brother Alex and big
sister Ashleigh. Ethan passed away from SIDS on October 1, 2009.
Since Ethan has become an Angel...the Ratliff family has added a little sister, Abi, to their family. They have a
new baby on the way as well.
Ethan loved watching trees blowing outside and jumping in his jumper.
Ethan Michael Ratliff
April 8, 2009 - October 1, 2009
Cody Thomas Arbour
May 12, 2008 - September 26, 2008
On May 12, 2008 JT and Barb Arbour brought into this world their second born son, Cody Thomas
Arbour. His big brother Cayden was so excited. Cody passed away from SIDS on September 26, 2008.
JT, Barb and Cayden have been blessed with another son/brother, Tyson William.
Cody loved being talked to and the color red. When he smiled at you his dimples got so deep you could
get lost in them.
Because of our Cody, you are looking at this website educating yourself about SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and Safe Sleep for Babies. Please read and learn all you can and follow ALL of the Safe Sleep Steps. We do not want
another family to have to go through what we have.
A huge thank you to Dawn Knapper, Cayden & Cody's babysitter and Cody's Grammee Arbour for starting Because of Cody... Cody will always be remembered because of your love.
Our Angels
Contact Because of Cody...
815-293-SIDS (7437) Email: info@becauseofcody.org PO Box 24, Bourbonnais, IL 60914
Because of Cody... would be honored to include your angel on this memorial page.
If you would like to have your precious angel remembered here, please send a photo (optional) and a bio
including the following information:
* Angel's Name
* Birth Date and Passing Date
* Parents' Names
* Additional Family Members you'd like mentioned (ie: siblings, etc.)
* A story, special memory, loving thought, poem that is special to you, or anything you'd like us to
include in your angel's tribute.
You can write the bio for your angel's tribute yourself or you can provide the info requested above and
Because of Cody... would be happy to write it for you.
Please send your angel's photo, bio and/or information for their tribute to Because of Cody...
* By E-mail to: contactus@becauseofcody.org
* By Mail to: Because of Cody...
PO Box 24
Bourbonnais, IL 60914
* By Phone to: Dawn - 815-936-6152