The CMP Foundation honors the memory of Cailyn Michael Parenton by creating, building, and enhancing the joy of all children, including families who have lost children to SIDS, through partnerships that provide outlets for children to build, grow, and express themselves.  
 

Our Story

As young parents, whenever we heard of someone losing a child, we would think–how could they function, how would they face each day?  Then, on February 22, 2013, it happened.  

It was not easy and healing took time.  We learned that we could control how we lived through it, but that came through time and acceptance of things as they were.  Today, Mickey and I cherish what we do have, a beautiful daughter Callie and an energetic son Jude, and all four of us want nothing more than to celebrate Cailyn’s life and use our abilities to make a difference.

Going through a great loss taught us to appreciate my life more and to not let the small things bother us. Our eyes are more open and everything shines with more brilliance.

We are sharing our story with other parents who have suffered the loss of a child to let them know that they are not alone, and they can heal.

Cailyn had a spunky personality. She was funny, charming and happy. Her smile and excitement lit up the room. She made us smile, laugh and love more every day she was here. I believe that she is heaven and guiding us through life. Her brief time on this earth should be a legacy.

And so, we created the Cailyn Michael Parenton Foundation in an effort to continue her legacy, remembering the joy she brought to our family and others.  While we lost Cailyn to SIDS, the mission of our foundation is to create, build and enhance the joy of all of our children, through programs and partnerships.  In essence, we want to provide outlets for children to be themselves and express their talents, in a safe and healthy environment.  Our goal is to see programs that will provide children with positive learning, and active engagement in religion, the arts and athletics.  Our foundation will keep Cailyn's memory alive.  

Signed,

Christine and Mickey Parenton

EMAIL

info@cailyngives.org

MAIL Donations to

Resource Bank
Attn: Paul Queyrouze
321 Veterans Blvd.
Metairie, LA 70005

Make checks payable to Cailyn Michael Parenton Foundation.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Christine Parenton
Executive Director

Oneil Parenton
Secretary

Andy Galy
Treasurer

Mickey Parenton

Greg Bensel

Pat Parenton

Our Projects

We provide support for leading community organizations to bring inspiring play that encourages lifelong learning to all children in our community.  

Knock Knock Children's Museum
(Baton Rouge, La)

Knock Knock's I See Food Cafe’ Learning Zone, sponsored by The Cailyn Michael Parenton Foundation, creates a hands-on learning environment inside the museum that teaches young children about nutrition and inspires creativity through play in a restaurant setting.  

Children work together in I See Food Cafe’ to serve up healthy delicious meals to appreciative customers seated at the counter and tables.  Menus, recipes and parent tips focus on creating balanced meals from the “Go" (anytime), "Slow" (sometimes), "Whoa!" (once in a while) food categories also taught in the museum's grocery store. Young chefs and wait staff will use math, nutrition and reading literacy skills to deliver a feast for learning!

Louisiana Children's Museum
(New Orleans, LA)

In 2018, building on 30 years of experience, The Louisiana Children’s Museum will reinvent itself in gorgeous New Orleans City Park. There, innovative interactive exhibit experiences will be brought to life, including the Sensory Lagoon, sponsored by the Cailyn Michael Parenton Foundation. 

The Sensory Lagoon will be the centerpiece of the Play with Me gallery, for children birth – 3 years and their caregivers. Inspired by the wetlands of Louisiana, this exhibit provides a gentle challenge for crawlers and climbers to practice gross motor skills and celebrate achievement.  Around its edge, children will find eggs to crawl in and rain sticks to twirl. Climbing into the lagoon’s soft center they will jump and roll among the lily pads.

Resources

What is SIDS?

According to the CDC website, "SIDS is defined as the sudden death of an infant less than 1 year of age that cannot be explained after a thorough investigation is conducted, including a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene, and a review of the clinical history. About 1,500 infants died of SIDS in 2014. SIDS is the leading cause of death in infants 1 to 12 months old." 

Research has led to many advancements on baby health and safety, but there is currently no fool-proof prevention or "cure" for SIDS. The CMP Foundation looks to the following organizations as reputable resources for information and updates regarding SIDS:

• Center for Disease Control (cited)
• The CJ Foundation