We were saddened to find out today that when Brett Azar was 2 years old his 4 month old sister was murdered by shaken baby syndrome (SBS) and resulting from that unimaginable painful family scenario; he has been robbed of a sister but also a lifelong friend.
Following his Terminator Genisys debut as a young Schwarzenegger T-800 body double,- it is now admirable that he is using his celebrity status to bring awareness to this important and more than worthwhile Cause.
Brett is now fundraising for the Cause but he told TheTerminatorFans.com he has plans to start his own charity in the future in dedication to his sister:
For now I’m partnering the Geneva Azar Foundation for SBS with the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome and raising funds and awareness for the common cause. Eventually the Geneva Azar Foundation for SBS will become its own 501c3 to do direct funding for the victims and their families.
Please continue reading to find out more about Brett’s story and how you can help/contribute to the fundraiser.
Brett Azar’s Fundraising Story (quoted from Facebook):
Geneva Azar was my infant little sister and was a victim of shaken baby syndrome throughout her entire four month life before ultimately being murdered. No family should have to experience this devastation of loss especially when it is under accidental and preventable terms. No family should go through such devastation and then suffer financially from it. A family who suffers a travesty as this should not then be forced into bankruptcy from Medical bills, hospital bills, death cost, costs of disabled living, etc. This is why I want to put my sister on the forefront of being a guardian angel to the lives affected as she has been my guardian angel protecting my family after she could not protect herself.
This is where The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, Geneva Azar Foundation, and I partner up. They have the outreach for providing the information and support to make a difference.
This is from their website dontshake.org :
Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma (SBS/AHT) is a term used to describe the constellation of signs and symptoms resulting from violent shaking or shaking and impacting of the head of an infant or small child. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) describes SBS as a subset of AHT with injuries having the potential to result in death or permanent neurologic disability.
Can Tossing My Baby in the Air or Rough Play Cause SBS?
SBS is a form of child abuse that happens when an infant or small child is violently shaken. Shaken injuries are not caused by:Bouncing a baby on your knee.
Tossing a baby in the air.
Jogging or bicycling with your baby.
Falls off a couch or other furniture.
Sudden stops in a car or driving over bumps.
Although the activities listed above can be dangerous and are not recommended, they will likely not cause SBS injuries.Why is Shaking a Baby Dangerous?
Violent shaking for just a few seconds has the potential to cause severe injuries. While shaking may cause injury to children of any age, children are most susceptible to being injured during their first year of life. Factors that contribute to a baby’s vulnerability include:Babies heads are heavy and large in proportion to their body size.
Babies have weak neck muscles.
Babies have fragile, undeveloped brains.
There is a large size and strength difference between the victim and the perpetrator.
Facts
Over 700 Publications in more than 100 Peer-Reviewed Medical Journals
SBS/AHT is well researched with over 700 publications in more than 100 peer-reviewed high impact medical journals.
$7.2 Million Cost per SBS/AHT Death
The lifetime average cost for an SBS/AHT death is an estimated $7.2 million.
$16.8 Billion Cost to the U.S. in 2010
The total societal economic impact of SBS/AHT that occurred in 2010 was an estimated $16.8 billion.
≈80% Suffer Lifelong Disabilities
Upwards of 80% of surviving victims of SBS/AHT suffer lifelong disabilities.
≈25% Die
Approximately 25% of victims of SBS/AHT die.
≈1,300 Cases per Year in U.S.
There are approximately 1,300 reported cases of SBS/AHT in the U.S. each year.
Leading Cause of Child Abuse Deaths in U.S.
SBS/AHT is the leading cause of physical child abuse deaths in the U.S.
Most in Babies Less Than 6 Months Old
SBS/AHT occurs most often in babies less than 6 months old.
Possible Signs and Symptoms of SBS/AHT
Lethargy / decreased muscle tone
Extreme irritability
Decreased appetite, poor feeding or vomiting for no apparent reason
Grab-type bruises on arms or chest
No smiling or vocalization
Poor sucking or swallowing
Rigidity or posturing
Difficulty breathing
Decreased level of consciousness
Seizures
Head or forehead appears larger than usual
Soft spot on head appears to be bulging
Inability to lift head
Inability of eyes to focus or track movement
Unequal size of pupils
Consequences of SBS/AHT
Learning disabilities
Physical disabilities
Visual disabilities or blindness
Hearing impairment
Speech disabilities
Cerebral Palsy
Seizures
Behavior disorders
Cognitive impairment
Death
Information on this page is not intended to replace advice by a health care professional. If you suspect a child has been shaken, seek immediate medical attention.
Please visit the link below to donate to the fundraiser and to support T-800 Brett Azar with his important mission and primary objective!