Nationwide — An African American family from Warrenton, North Carolina is mourning the early and unexpected death of 2-month-old Amora Lanae Hopkins. She was born healthy on August 9th but died just two months and 3 days later on October 12th from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), an unexplained illness that still claims the lives of thousands of babies worldwide every year. The death of baby Amora has reenergized a nationwide conversation about SIDS and the fact that African American babies are twice as likely to die of SIDS as white babies according to a report from the U.S. Dept of Health.
Even the Washington Post reports that “…Black babies are in the gravest danger, with an infant mortality rate in 2018 of 10.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, compared to a rate of 4.6 White babies per 1,000 live births.”
The family of baby Amora says that they are still in shock as they organize the funeral arrangements. A GoFundMe page has been set up for the family to help with the expenses. Her grandfather, Stephen Lee Sr., comments, “We would greatly appreciate any help we can get with laying her to rest.”
He adds “She was a sweet and beautiful baby who could fill a room with smiles. Her soft skin and delightful smell could bring happiness to anyone’s day.”
To make a donation online, visit GoFundMe.com/f/with-our-granddaughters-funeral-expenses