2026 SUDC Foundation Community Retreat

The transportation options available to arrive at the Radisson Blu Mall of America are:

1. Airport: The closest airport to the Radisson Blu is Minneapolis-St Paul International, directly across the street.  
2. Airport Shuttle: The Radisson Blu Mall of America offers a free, daily, blue-colored airport shuttle service from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The shuttle runs hourly, serves both MSP airport terminals, and picks up/drops off at the hotel’s north entrance. It is recommended to contact the front desk to arrange service as capacity is limited.
3. Car Rental: Many visitors prefer renting a car, especially if they are arriving from a nearby city or airport. This provides flexibility and convenience, allowing you to explore the surrounding area. The airport provides several rental-car services at all terminals.
4. Parking: For attendees who are within driving distance to the Radison Blu there is a self-parking fee of USD 24 per day and a Valet parking fee: USD 34 per night.
   
5. Local Attractions: The Mall of America is connected to the Radison Blu for foot traffic. Hop on the nearby Metro light rail transit to explore the Twin Cities area.

The hotel does not provide childcare at this time. The SUDC Foundation is currently exploring options to assist families with childcare, so that all the adults in each party can attend sessions together. More information regarding costs and availability will be provided soon.

Retreat attendees are financially responsible for travel to and from the retreat, and for the cost of hotel accommodations, incidentals and select meals.

Financial assistance is available for those in need. The SUDC Foundation has established the Unity Fund, specifically designed to provide support and subsidize attendance for individuals facing financial constraints. This fund is a testament to the Foundation’s commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that the retreat is accessible to as many individuals as possible.

The Unity Fund application process is currently open and allowing individuals to apply for financial assistance to help cover the costs associated with attending the retreat. The Foundation understands the importance of making the retreat accessible to all members of the SUDC community and encourages those in need to take advantage of this resource.

The SUDC Foundation Community Retreat offers complimentary attendance to individuals registered with the SUDC Foundation. The Retreat covers all programming expenses and includes the cost of select meals. 

The Retreat will cover select meals. Participants will be responsible for the following meals: Thursday night dinner, Saturday lunch, snacks, & other incidentals.

Hotel Amenities include:

• Premium Free Wi-Fi
• Free Airport Transportation
• Indoor Heated Pool
• Accessible Parking
• AAA Four Diamond Restaurant
• Family Friendly
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Pet Friendly
• Restaurant
• Kids Club

Please visit the hotel website for additional hotel amenities.

Meals: The Retreat will cover select meals. Participants will be responsible for the following meals: Thursday night dinner, Saturday lunch, snacks, & other incidentals.

Hotel accommodations are available at a discounted group room rate of $219.00 per night + tax (16.025%) if booked by Wednesday August 16, 2026.  For triple or quadruple occupancy an additional charge of $20.00 per day will be billed. At time of check in all guests will be required to present a valid credit card for any charges related to their stay. 

The weekend at the SUDC Foundation Community Retreat is thoughtfully designed to provide a supportive and healing experience for attendees. The general flow typically includes a blend of therapeutic activities, group sessions, and opportunities for connection.

Here’s an overview:

1. Welcome Reception: The retreat will begin with a welcome reception, setting the tone for the weekend and providing an overview of the available activities.
2. Group Sessions: Throughout the retreat, there are dedicated group sessions where participants can share their experiences, emotions, and insights. These sessions will create a safe space for open dialogue and mutual support.
3. Therapeutic Workshops: The schedule includes therapeutic workshops led by staff professionals from the Child Loss Foundation. These are carefully designed to cover various aspects of grief, coping mechanisms, and tools for healing, applicable to all family members.
4. Memorial Activities: The Community Retreat will incorporate memorial activities and a remembrance closing ceremony on Saturday evening to honor and remember the children who have passed away. These activities provide a reflective space to acknowledge the shared journey and the support gained throughout the retreat.
5. Breakout Sessions: Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in smaller breakout sessions focused on specific topics or family friendly activities, allowing for more personalized discussions and connections.
6. Recreational and Relaxation Time: The schedule will include breaks for recreational and relaxation activities, providing moments for attendees to unwind, spend free time together, or enjoy the amenities of the retreat location.
7. Unity and Connection: The retreat often emphasizes the importance of unity and connection within the SUDC community. Our aim is for attendees to find comfort and strength in building relationships with others who share similar experiences.

The SUDC Foundation Community Retreat welcomes a diverse and supportive community of individuals affected by Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC). Attendees often include newly bereaved families, siblings, grandparents, and relatives who share a common connection through the experience of losing a child suddenly and unexpectedly. 

The retreat is designed to provide a compassionate space for sharing, healing, and fostering connections with others who have faced similar challenges. It offers a supportive environment for learning, emotional support, and building lasting connections within the SUDC community.

The SUDC Foundation Community Retreat officially begins on Thursday, September 17th, when Registration opens, and concludes on Sunday, September 20th. While many families arrive on Thursday, some choose to arrive earlier or extend their stay following the Retreat. Please note that the SUDC Foundation’s discounted group hotel rate is only guaranteed during the official Retreat dates and is subject to hotel availability outside of that timeframe.

Absolutely, it is perfectly okay to attend the SUDC Foundation Community Retreat either by yourself or with your partner, family member, or friend. The retreat is designed to be inclusive and welcoming to individuals who have experienced the loss of a child to Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC).

During the retreat, a variety of activities are planned to cater to different preferences and needs. There will be group sessions where attendees can share their experiences, feelings, and insights. These sessions provide a supportive space for connecting with others who understand the unique challenges of SUDC.

Additionally, the retreat offers inclusive activities such as workshops, therapeutic sessions, and communal gatherings, fostering an environment where individuals and their support networks can find comfort, understanding, and a sense of community. 

Whether you come alone or with a companion, the retreat is structured to accommodate everyone, promoting healing and connection within the SUDC community.

Deciding whether you’re ready to attend the retreat is a personal consideration, and it depends on various factors. Take a moment to reflect on the following:

1. Expectations: Consider what you hope to gain from the retreat. Whether it’s relaxation, family bonding, or personal growth, having clear expectations can help you assess your readiness.
2. Preparedness: Ensure that you have all the necessary logistical details sorted, such as travel arrangements, accommodation, and any required documentation. Feeling prepared can contribute to a more positive experience.
3. Openness: A family retreat often involves activities and interactions with others. Assess your openness to new experiences, meeting new people, and engaging in group activities.
4. Emotional Readiness: Check in with your emotional state. If you’ve been dealing with stress or challenges, consider whether you’re in a mindset to benefit from the retreat. Retreats often provide a supportive environment for self-reflection and healing.
5. Physical Well-being: Assess your physical well-being to ensure you’re up for any travel and planned activities. If you decide to  involve yourself in any of the  physical activities available, make sure you are prepared and comfortable participating.
6. Commitment: Evaluate your commitment to fully engage in the retreat. Being present and actively participating can significantly enhance your experience.

If, after considering these factors, you feel mentally, emotionally, and logistically ready, it’s likely that you are prepared to attend the Community Retreat. However, if you have specific concerns or questions, feel free to reach out to us for more information or guidance at: [email protected]  

Ultimately, the decision to attend should align with your personal goals and well-being. We hope you have a fulfilling and enriching experience at the Community Retreat!

Absolutely. The SUDC Foundation Community Retreat welcomes individuals who have experienced the loss of a child, regardless of whether the cause of death has been determined, is unknown, or falls outside the classification of Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC). The retreat is designed to provide support, restoration, renewal,  and connection for all participants  navigating the challenges of child loss.

The shared experiences, understanding, and compassion within the community extend to those facing the complexities of undetermined or non-SUDC-related causes of death. The retreat aims to create a supportive environment where individuals from various circumstances can come together to find solace, healing, and a sense of belonging within the broader landscape of child loss.

Please reach out to the SUDC Foundation at [email protected]. The Radisson Blu’s culinary team is experienced in accommodating various dietary restrictions and allergies and will ensure that suitable options are available for you and your family.

Our team is dedicated to ensuring your stay with us is comfortable and enjoyable. If you require specific accommodations, please reach out to the SUDC Foundation at [email protected].

The last day to reserve a hotel room at the group rate is August 16, 2026.

The hotels cancellation policy is 24 hours prior to arrival to avoid penalty.

Your credit card will not be charged at the time you make your reservation. The hotel will charge your credit card upon arrival/check-in. The credit card provided at the time of booking is used to reserve your room and may also be used for any incidental charges incurred during your stay.

The SUDC Foundation prefers that attendees notify us of cancellation within (ten) 10 days of the event. This is to ensure we provide accurate food and beverage numbers to the hotel. If you do plan to cancel please complete the form on this page or email [email protected] so we can plan accordingly. 

We know that for some families, attending the Retreat may involve flying for the first time or traveling after a long time. Traveling can feel overwhelming if it’s unfamiliar, so we’ve put together answers to common questions to help make the process easier. 

I’ve never flown before. What should I expect? 

Air travel is usually a straightforward process. When you arrive at the airport, you will typically: 

1. Check in with your airline (online ahead of time or at the airport). 

1. Go through TSA security screening. 

1. Find your departure gate. 

1. Board the airplane when your group is called. 

Airport staff are available throughout the building if you need help finding where to go. 

For domestic flights, we recommend arriving about 2 hours before departure. 

Do I need a REAL ID to fly? 

Beginning May 7, 2025, travelers flying within the United States must show a REAL ID–compliant driver’s license or another approved form of identification at airport security. 

Accepted alternatives include: 

• A passport 

• A passport card 

• A military ID 

• Other TSA-approved identification 

If your driver’s license has a star symbol in the upper corner, it is typically REAL ID compliant. 

More information: https://www.tsa.gov/real-id 

What happens at airport security (TSA)? 

At the TSA checkpoint you will: 

• Show your ID and boarding pass 

• Place bags and personal items on the conveyor belt for screening 

• Walk through a metal detector or body scanner 

You may be asked to remove items such as: 

• Shoes (in some cases) 

• Jackets 

• Laptops or tablets from bags 

TSA officers will guide you through the process step-by-step. 

How do I get from the airport to the retreat hotel? 

If you are flying in, the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle that runs directly between the airport and the hotel, and the ride takes less than 10 minutes. 

Most retreat activities take place at the hotel, so families typically do not need a rental car during the weekend. 

The hotel is also connected directly to the Mall of America, which provides access to restaurants, shops, and activities without needing to leave the building or arrange transportation. 

Closer to the Retreat, we will send detailed arrival instructions and shuttle information. 

Traveling With Children 

Many families attend the retreat with their children. Below are a few helpful things to know if your child will be flying. 

Flying with a child under 2 years old 

Children under age 2 can usually fly as a lap child, meaning they sit on an adult’s lap without purchasing their own seat. 

Some families choose to purchase a seat and bring an FAA-approved car seat for added comfort and safety. 

Airlines may ask for proof of the child’s age, such as: 

• Birth certificate 

• Passport 

Flying with children age 2 and older 

Children age 2 and older must have their own seat on the airplane. 

For domestic flights, children under 18 usually do not need identification when traveling with a parent or guardian. However, airlines may still request proof of age, so bringing a birth certificate or passport can be helpful. 

What happens at airport security with children? 

Children travel through security with the adult(s) they are accompanying. 

Parents will show their ID and boarding pass, while children typically do not need identification. 

Items such as: 

• Strollers 

• Car seats 

• Baby carriers 

are allowed and will simply be screened. 

You may also bring: 

• Baby formula 

• Breast milk 

• Toddler food 

through security in reasonable quantities. 

Tips for flying with children 

Many families find it helpful to bring: 

• Snacks 

• Small toys or books 

• Headphones or tablets for entertainment 

• A change of clothes for young children 

Flight attendants are very accustomed to helping families travel with children. 

Traveling with Cremated Remains (Cremains) 

Some families choose to travel with their child’s cremated remains or other remembrance items. TSA allows cremated remains to be transported on airplanes, but there are a few things to know ahead of time. 

Carry-on vs checked baggage 

It is generally recommended that cremated remains be transported in carry-on luggage rather than checked baggage, so they remain with you during travel. 

Container requirements 

At the TSA checkpoint, cremated remains must pass through X-ray screening. TSA officers are not permitted to open the container, even if requested. 

For this reason, the container should be made of a material that can be easily scanned by X-ray, such as: 

• Wood 

• Plastic 

• Cardboard 

• Some lightweight metals 

Containers made of dense metal, stone, or ceramic may prevent screening and may not be allowed through security. 

Documentation 

While not always required, it can help to bring documentation such as: 

• A cremation certificate 

• Documentation from the funeral home or crematory 

Emotional considerations 

Traveling with cremated remains can bring up a lot of emotions. Many families travel this way, and airport staff are generally respectful and accustomed to these situations. 

If you have questions or concerns, our team is always available to help support you in planning your travel. 

More information: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/cremated-remains