| The Science of Sleep |
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| Thursday, March 12, 2009 07:16 AM |
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NEW SMYRNA BEACH – As the temperatures dipped down into the lower 50’s, and the motorcycles rumbled nearby, Terri Lynn Brearey didn’t show a trace of being uncomfortable. As the founder, CEO, volunteer and supermom of the Infant and Children Sleep Apnea Awareness Foundation, she wears many hats. During Bike Week, which is coincidently National Sleep Awareness Week, she stood proud collecting donations for the foundation. Brearey found her inspiration to start up the non-profit organization when her son, Trenten, was diagnosed with Infant Sleep Apnea in 2005. At just five weeks of age, Trenten began to breath irregularly while sleeping. “As a new parent, it never occurred to us that something could be wrong,” Brearey said. After the possibility of Trenten having acid refulx, he was taken to see a pediatric pulmonary specialist where he had a sleep study. During the first night, the Breareys were informed Trenton had stopped breathing an astounding 300 times. In 2008, the Infant and Children Sleep Apnea Awareness Foundation, Inc. was founded. Sleep apnea is defined as a sleep disorder in which sleep is disturbed by pauses in breath. More than 2 million children have some type of sleep order. ADD, ADHS, Autism, Obesity, and Insomnia are linked to sleep apnea. “We found that there was no information out there – and after contacting the Sleep Apnea foundation, we found nothing for infants and children,” said Brearey. The Brearey family, along with friends and volunteers, is venturing to bring Infant Sleep Apnea to the forefront. Eventually, they would like to go nationwide with the foundation. “There are so many children affected by this right here — I am talking about the New Smyrna Beach area,” said Brearey. Her goals may seem overwhelming to some, but this is a top notch organizer. Public education and awareness are at the top of her list. The foundation intends to serve as an advocate for infant sleep apnea, kids sleep disorders, SIDS, and pediatric pulmonary issues. Brearey is very adamant about bringing sleep monitors to daycares. “We want to join forces with physicians and sleep centers to make more information available.” Sudden Infant Death syndrome (SIDS), takes the lives of between seven and eight thousand babies each year. The cause is unknown. “We would have lost Trenten if we acted two days later,” said Brearey. “He is about turn four years old, and it is such a miracle. We are so blessed.” For information, volunteer or donation opportunities, a list of upcoming activities and more, visit www.infantsleepapnea.org. |