Bell Works To Host Fundraiser For Unexplained Death In Kids Study

HOLMDEL, NJ - On November 12, 2017, Holmdel parents Dr. Denise Wunderler and Dr. Mike Savino experienced the unimaginable: their healthy two-year-old daughter Vienna, just two months shy of her birthday, never woke up after falling asleep watching television. Three years later, both are working tirelessly to ensure the same tragedy doesn’t ever happen to another family.

Vienna’s death was categorized as Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC), a term used by medical examiners when they find no other reason to explain why a healthy child 1-18 years old suddenly passes away. An estimated 400 American children every year are given the SUDC label, a number which may be even higher as some deaths are incorrectly classified or not reported.

Related: Holmdel Toddler's Unexplained Death Now Studied In Med School

In partnership with her nonprofit Team Vienna 4 SUDC and Holmdel's Bell Works, Wunderler is raising money for SUDC-affected families to complete genetic testing for research at Boston Children’s Hospital as part of the Robert's program. Vienna and her family are currently enrolled in the study to gain answers into how and why unexpected death in children occurs.

Under the name “Vienna’s 6th Heavenly Birthday Fundraiser,” Bell Works establishments Escapology, OasisVRX, Swing Loose Indoor Golf and The Gathering Shops will donate a share of proceeds to the testing program in honor of the Holmdel toddler's memory.

Wunderler tells Patch that she aims to raise $20,000 for the program, with every $3,000 used to sequence one family triad (mom, dad and deceased child).

“We are already seeing the value of advancing our understanding of SUDC beyond neuropathological findings and including genetics in our analysis,” said Dr. Richard Goldstein, Principal Investigator of the Robert’s Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. “Every day we become more able to provide bereaved parents with answers to why their child died and counsel them about risks for associated diseases or recurrence in their family.”

Wunderler reports that Bell Works and its tenants have always been supporters of the family nonprofit and Vienna’s legacy. The partnership began two years ago with designer Lauren Farrell NY’s pop-up collection of designer handbags in Vienna’s name. Now, the luxury collection is a mainstay on the designer’s online website, with a portion of each sale donated to SUDC research. Read more: Holmdel Family Raises Awareness Of SUDC After Toddler Girl Dies

“The businesses at Bell Works have gone above and beyond to help and have been incredibly supportive, and it was actually their idea to have a fundraiser for Team Vienna. I was so touched beyond words. Todd and his staff at OasisVRX, Karissa from Escapology, Christie from The Gathering Shops, and the guys at Swing Loose Indoor Golf have been very instrumental in getting this fundraiser off the ground," Wunderler said.

On Jan. 19, Bell Works will continue to honor the lost resident by lighting up the famous transistor tower bright pink.

“I really can’t wait to see it—I’m sure it will bring tears to my eyes,” Wunderler continued. “Pink is her favorite color so I know she will love it.”

Here’s how you can help:

DONATE

• Team Vienna 4 SUDC
• PhilanthropyRedefined
• GoFundMe
• Venmo (@Denise-Wunderler) or check (Team Vienna, 210 W. Front St, Ste 209, Stephy’s Place, Red Bank, NJ 07701)

PLAY

• Visit OasisVRX any day during the month of January and mention VIENNA. To book online, click here.
• Visit Escapology on Jan. 19-20. Book online here and use the checkout code TEAMVIENNA.
• Visit Swing Loose Indoor Golf on Jan. 19-20 (you can book online here).

SHOP

• Visit The Gathering Shops in-store on Jan, 19-20 or online using the checkout code VIENNA
• Shop Lauren Farrell NY’s The Vienna Collection.
• Shop Team Vienna’s high-end online auction (ends Jan. 20).