Norah Jane Anklam

Norah Jane was our bright light — a joyful, healthy twin born on June 18, 2015. From the start, she radiated happiness. She met every milestone with that big, beautiful smile — taking assisted steps, calling out “Da-da” and “Ma-ma,” and sharing her laughter with everyone around her.

At her one-year checkup on June 23, 2016, Norah was thriving. She was healthy, growing well, sleeping through the night, and transitioning to whole milk — all signs of a happy, thriving baby. That day, she received her scheduled immunizations: MMRV (mumps, measles, rubella, varicella) and Hepatitis A.

Just one week later, on June 30, our world changed forever. Norah passed away unexpectedly in her sleep. Her family found her face down in her crib, and despite extensive testing, no clear cause was found. Her autopsy noted signs of asphyxia and mild swelling in her lungs, but no disease or injury to explain why. The official manner of death was listed as “undetermined.”

As her family continues searching for answers, research has raised questions about potential factors — including rare neurological patterns seen in other unexplained toddler deaths. Though Norah had no known seizures, her parents are exploring every possibility to better understand what happened and to help others facing similar heartbreak.

Today, they continue their journey through the federal vaccine injury compensation process (Case #17-2061V), seeking truth, awareness, and change — not just for Norah, but for every family navigating the same unimaginable loss. Their strength, courage, and advocacy keep Norah’s light shining.

Read more about Norah here.