In loving memory of...

Porter Matthew Rudd

About PorterWhat HappenedPhoto AlbumsVideosPorter's LegacyLetterMemorial Service

 

Home

SUDC

A Guide to Help

Guest Book

Donate

A Dedication to Porter

There hasn't been a single person who has not been truly touched by Porter. We have been so thankful for the overwhelming support and sympathy over the years. We felt like dedicating a website to Porter's memory would not only be a tribute to his short life and tell his story, but also be a place to "visit" Porter. We thank you for visiting his site and browsing through our pages. Please sign our guest book.

Dedications and Remembrances for Porter

SUDC Research Study Results Completed
(January 23, 2011)
We enrolled Porter's case into the Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) research study in 2008 and after waiting two years the final death diagnosis was determined. Several professionals reviewed his case and it was determined that influenza B was inconsequential as a cause of Porter's death and based on a thorough case evaluation it was concluded that Porter's death is unexplained. Currently we are looking to rule out Long Q-T Syndrome. To read more click here. Or go to the What Happened tab which was updated on 03/04/11.
Dissertation Dedicated to Porter
(May 14, 2010)
Porter's death came at the beginning stages of Becky's PhD dissertation process. During this period of existential crisis Becky decided to turn grief into meaning and focus research on a previously untouched area. Her dissertation study was focused on the support needs and grief interventions both professionals and bereaved parents believed were helpful after the unexpected death of a child and the experience of these individuals. After 15 heart-wrenching interviews and hours and hours of data analysis, Becky finally finished her dissertation. It has been called a "page turner" by those who have read it and will hopefully lead to further research in this area. Please read for your self. You need adobe PDF reader.
Two Year Anniversary (March 21, 2010)
It feels like an eternity since we held our beautiful boy, heard his laugher, or kissed those kissable cheeks. We went down to Pendleton to honor Porter's memory. We cleaned up his burial marker and placed flowers. We hope to make this an annual tradition.
One Year Anniversary (March 21, 2009)
March 21st came again so quickly and with such a difficult anniversary we were at a lost as how to spend this most difficult day. It seemed appropriate to lay Porter to rest on this day at Olney Cemetery in Pendleton Oregon. We invited anyone interested in attending the burial to a non-formal gathering in Pendleton. We were humbled by the support of such wonderful family and friends. Becky's Dad and his partner Kris attended, Porter's great grandparents Ken and Iris, Porter's Great great Aunt and Uncle Lynn and Janet, Porter's great great cousin Teri, Porter's aunt and uncle Darcie and Andy as well as his cousin Joey. Porter's Godparents Jeremy and Kelli and Becky's friends Lesa and Kenn. The non-formal gathering was very memorable and we were blessed to share such an difficult occasion with so many. To see pictures or to read the poem visit the memorial page.
Nevada Association for Play Therapy Conference (April 25 & 26, 2008)
Becky was the president of the Nevada Association for Play Therapy the year Porter died. His death was a month before the annual conference held in Reno Nevada. The board of directors, as well as others, chipped in to ensure the conference would come together smoothly in Becky's absence. They dedicated their efforts and the conference as a whole to the memory of Porter. Dr. Garry Landreth, the conference presenter and well-known clinician and founder of the Association for Play Therapy, highlighted the dedication of the conference to Porter.
Kindercare Preschool (September 21, 2008)
On September 21, 2008 the Kindercare staff, lead by Porter's best friend's mom Amy, placed a plaque of remembrance at the preschool. The plaque hangs by the front door and will have yellow ducks painted permanently around the plaque when the center gets repainted. There was some discussion if it was best to place it in a specific room, but even though Porter had a short life, he certainly spent many hours in many different classrooms. We are so honored that Porter's memory will stay alive in a place he cherished so much. We have been touched by the overwhelming support and care from the teachers and staff at Kindercare.