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NCSBS Celebratory Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Farmington, UT — On the morning of April 15, 2025, the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome (NCSBS) proudly marked its 25th Anniversary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its headquarters in Farmington. The event was not only a milestone but also a renewed commitment to preventing infant abuse through education, awareness, and community partnership.

Honoring the Past, Looking to the Future
It was a picture-perfect spring day as friends, partners, and staff gathered in front of the NCSBS office. The entrance was lined with colorful banners and a striking large metallic gold numeral “25” balloon to mark the occasion. Guests mingled over a festive spread of fresh fruit, a charcuterie board, and cupcakes topped with lit candles.

The ceremony began with a heartfelt speech from Farmington Mayor Brett Anderson, who emphasized the critical role prevention organizations play in protecting families. He spoke about the need for continued education and support to ensure that caregivers have the tools to cope during difficult moments—before harm can occur.

NCSBS Board Chair Bryce Froerer shared a brief reflection on the organization’s history, expressing appreciation for the board of directors and their dedication to the mission over the years. He then introduced board member Emily Bodily, who courageously shared her personal story of losing her infant son to SBS/AHT at the hands of her ex-husband. She spoke about the compassionate support she received from NCSBS and how it helped her find purpose and healing through advocacy.

To close the ceremony, Executive Director Danielle Vazquez and representatives from the Davis Chamber of Commerce, stepped forward with the ceremonial scissors. As Vazquez made the final cut, cheers rang out from the crowd, celebrating both the past 25 years of impact and the bright future ahead.

Watch the KSL News story by clicking the play button on the video.

A Wave of Generosity: Paddle Raise Success

One of the most exciting moments of the evening came during our “Paddle Raise” fundraising moment, led by Executive Director Danielle Vazquez. She set the tone with a heartfelt message: “We’ve come far, but we’re not done. The next 25 years start now, with all of us, right here, tonight.”

The first pledge request was for a $25 donation. $25 provides training to childcare providers, ensuring they receive crucial tools and resources to best care for a crying baby in a safe environment. Each table joined in the fun, with a little healthy competition fueling the spirit ofgiving. Laughter, applause, and a shared sense of purpose filled the room.

Another pledge level was a $100 donation. This amount would support prevention education for a high school child development program indefinitely. When the $100 pledge amount was put forward, we continued to see contributions throughout the room.

Lastly, Executive Director Vazquez challenged the guests with a $500 pledge. $500 would support the delivery of the Period of PURPLE Crying program to all families of a new baby in a rural hospital for a year. In an incredible show of support, several individuals pledged the maximum amount.

At every level, the Paddle Raise resulted in an inspiring outpouring of generosity from our community. Together, guests raised $5,455 to help sustain and grow our programming, ensuring families and caregivers continue to have access to tools, resources, and support when they need it most.

This moment was a powerful reminder: when we come together, we can do big things.

25th Anniversary Gala Brings an Outpouring of Love and Support for NCSBS

In the words of NCSBS Executive Director, Danielle Vazquez, “Our 25th Anniversary Gala was a resounding success!” The celebration took place at the Davis Conference Center in Layton, Utah, where we welcomed 150 supporters, board members, staff, and volunteers—all champions of the NCSBS mission. “We raised a significant sum to support our programs, and the evening was filled with heartfelt speeches, inspiring presentations, and joyful connections. We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and generosity of our community, and we look forward to celebrating 25 more years of shaken baby/abusive head trauma prevention impact together,” said Vazquez.

Planning for the gala was an all-hands-on-deck effort from our team. We chose to have the event in April in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. With the date set, preparation began and involved coordinating the details for the venue, selecting live musicians, creating the center piece decorations, and spreading the word on social media.

One of our standout steps was to create a timeline of the NCSBS’ history and accomplishments to be presented at the event. Executive Director Vazquez connected with our founder and former Executive Director, Marilyn Barr, and began diving into archives to recount stories, milestones, and key events that have shaped the organization over the past quarter-century. After 25 years of service, the NCSBS has stood the test of time, and was established before some of our staff were even born! At the 25th Anniversary Gala, we reflected with pride on the mission-driven progress we have made.

The gala evening began with a welcome address by Board Chair Bryce Froerer, JD, who thanked the NCSBS staff: “Your dedication drives everything we do.” He recognized both current and former board members for their leadership and paid tribute to the families of victims and survivors saying, “You are at the heart of our work.” He also acknowledged our many supporters who couldn’t attend due to distance and expressed gratitude to the generous sponsors who helped make the event possible.

Executive Director, Danielle Vazquez, who has led the NCSBS since 2022 with a tenure spanning 18 years, then took the stage for a toast: “Here’s to the children and families we’ve served, to the survivors and the stories that inspire us, to the tireless dedication of our staff, board, and supporters, and to a future where every baby is safe and every caregiver is supported. To 25 years, and to the next 25.”

Next, we had the opportunity to share the timeline of the NCSBS’ history and accomplishments through a presentation produced by the NCSBS marketing team, “A Look Back at 25 Years of impact.” It was a powerful retrospective of our work, highlighting national and international reach over the past twenty-five years through infographics, data, and milestones. The presentation emphasized lifesaving educational and prevention programs and featured collaborations with hospitals, healthcare providers, and community organizations.

Perhaps the most poignant moment of the presentation came from the families of victims, survivors, and healthcare professionals who advocate for SBS/AHT prevention. In a video put together by the NCSBS marketing team, our longtime friends and partners in prevention answered the question: “What does the NCSBS’s 25th anniversary mean to you?”

“Without your sensitivity, compassion, and guidance early on, we would not have survived.”

“You helped me share my story and supported my undergraduate research as a survivor of SBS.”

“I’ve made priceless connections and found the courage to share my experience in hopes of preventing this abuse from happening to another child.”

“NCSBS changed the trajectory for children who’ve been shaken—and became a source of strength for me.”

“You gave me a way to turn pain into purpose.”

The responses struck a chord with attendees, many of whom were visibly moved by the stories and the work accomplished over the past 25 years. It served as both a celebration of progress and a call to action, reinforcing just how far-reaching and necessary the mission of NCSBS remains. (Watch the video in the YouTube player)

“Looking ahead to the next chapter, we acknowledge the work still to be done,” said Vazquez. “We dream of a world where no child is harmed this way again, and where every caregiver isequipped with the resources, education, and compassion they need to thrive.”

THANK YOU to the following businesses and individuals whose generosity made this event possible

GOLD Sponsors

GOLD Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

from Executive Director, Danielle Vázquez

Following the heartfelt introduction from our new Development Director, I want to extend my own warm welcome to Cathy on behalf of our entire team. We are thrilled to have such passion and experience joining our mission to prevent shaken baby syndrome and improve the wellbeing of infants and families. Her leadership will be instrumental as we continue to grow our impact and deepen our connection with supporters like you.

As we celebrate 25 years of advocacy, education, and prevention, we are deeply reminded that we simply could not have come this far without your support. Every milestone we’ve reached has been made possible by donors like you - your commitment fuels our work and gives hope to the families we serve.

If you’re able, please consider making a gift today to help us continue this life-saving work for the next 25 years and beyond.

With gratitude,

Danielle Vázquez
Executive Director
National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome

Below are previews for the 30- and 60-second radio Public Service Announcements (PSAs). Click on the button below the preview gallery to download the files.

Download the 30-Second PSA Download the 60-Second PSA

2025 Family Support Symposium Program is Finalized

The 2025 Virtual Family Support Symposium program is as follows (all times listed are Mountain Time Zone):

9:00AM - 9:15AM : Opening Remarks
Danielle Vázquez, Executive Director : National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome

9:15AM - 10:00AM : Rebuilding Trust
Emily Bodily, Mother of Elijah, Shaken and Killed at 16 Months of Age

10:00AM - 11:00AM : Types of Grief and If Hope Can Be Found
Claire and Chris Sandys, Hosts of The Silent Why Podcast

11:00AM - 11:45AM : Secondary Trauma Victims Support
Marisa McPeck-Stringham, LCSW, Clinical Therapist

11:45AM - 12:30PM : Lunch

12:30PM - 1:00PM : The Matty Eappen Foundation Resources

1:00PM - 2:00PM : IEP and Navigating the School System
Zoubida Pasha, Parent Advocate: Family Resource Center on Disabilities

2:00PM - 2:50PM : NCSBS Resources for Families of Victims of SBS/AHT
Rachel Golightly, Information and Research Specialist: National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome

2:50PM - 3:00PM : Closing Remarks
Danielle Vázquez, Executive Director : National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome

Presents The

Virtual Family Support Symposium

May 14, 2025

The Virtual Family Support Symposium will be held on a virtual format and will feature presentations addressing many of the issues that families of victims of Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma (SBS/AHT) face.

Registration is FREE!

Attendance for this event will be FREE to everyone who would like to participate thanks to the generosity of the Matty Eappen Foundation! Though attendance is free for all participants, registration is required in order to receive information regarding symposium updates, announcements, and Zoom instructions.

This symposium will not be offering any continuing education units (CEUs) and will program presentations that are relevant and valuable to families of victims of SBS/AHT. These presentations might include topics like processing grief, resources to navigate available resources at the state and federal level, and therapies that may be available for victims of SBS/AHT for example.

For questions about the symposium, please contact the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome:

Phone: (801) 447-9360 ext.105
Email:

Registration is Closed.

Current State-Specific Legislation

The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome is now hosting a section on our website that lists the current laws in every state of the United States of America related to Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma (SBS/AHT). Laws include any SBS/AHT education required to be given to families of new babies, SBS/AHT education required of childcare providers, SBS/AHT education required to be taught in schools, etc.

Click this button to find the current legislation related to SBS/AHT in your state.  Find SBS/AHT Legislation in Your State

Please click on a state to see the legislation related to shaken baby syndrome specific to that state.

Twentieth International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome / Abusive Head Trauma

Loews Vanderbilt Hotel - Nashville, TN

September 20, 21, and 22, 2026

The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome is pleased to announce our twentieth biennial conference will be in Nashville on September 20, 21 and 22, 2026. The conference will bring together the world's experts to present the newest research and best practices in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, investigation, prosecution, or rehabilitation of victims of shaken baby syndrome/abusive head trauma. Return to this page and follow our social media channels for the latest updates on the conference. Click this link for information on the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel.