We are Dr. Florencia Segura Damavandy, a practicing pediatrician, and Dr. Al Damavandy, a MOHS surgeon and dermatologist, based in Northern Virginia. We are the proud parents of Rosalie "Rosie" Parisa Damavandy, who brought endless joy to our lives until her unexpected passing at just 18 months old due to Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC).
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Before losing Rosie, we had never encountered SUDC in our medical training. In fact, it was only a few months prior, through a podcast, that Florencia first learned of this devastating condition. Shockingly, only 30% of pediatricians are familiar with SUDC, despite it being the fourth leading cause of death in toddlers. Our family, like many others, was left with unanswered questions. Losing Rosie shattered us, but it also gave us a new purpose: to raise awareness and fund research for SUDC, so that no other family has to endure this unimaginable pain.
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Our journey has been one of grieving, learning, and seeking a way forward. In honor of Rosie, we hope to shed light on this under-recognized cause of death and bring hope to others. By supporting research and spreading awareness, we aim to prevent more families from experiencing the heartbreak we live with every day.
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We invite you to join us in this mission—to help ensure no parent faces this kind of loss without answers, and to give all children the chance to live their fullest, brightest lives.
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With gratitude,
Dr. Florencia Segura Damavandy & Dr. Al Damavandy