Silas John Bogdanovic was born on March 16, 2010. He was our little miracle baby and we are so happy he joined our family. He loved to crawl (backwards and forwards), stack blocks and destroy his brother’s train track toys. He was a happy, healthy baby with an infectious smile; adored by all who met him.
On March 23, 2011, one week after celebrating his first birthday, we experienced every parent’s worst nightmare. Silas died in the night. There were no calls for help, no warning signs and there has been no explanation.
During the first year after Silas’ death, I started running and decided to train to get up to 12 miles – one mile for each month of Silas’ life. This determination grew into the Celebrate Silas run, a way to cope with the tragedy and to celebrate his sweet life. It began with a small group of friends and family running, walking or biking with us along a 12-mile loop (or a shorter, 4-mile loop) that includes a stop at Silas’ memorial bench in the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden.
Over the years, we changed things up a bit and made the route more accessible by changing it to a 5k. We also added ways for others to honor and celebrate their loved ones who have died, including a calling of names, a visual listing of names and the Mural Project .
Celebrate Silas Memorial 5k 
November 28, 2013 at 1:25 am
What a fabulous way to celebrate your special boy & raise awareness. We love you guys & will continue to take part in whatever way we can to support you!
December 1, 2013 at 8:27 pm
I love this and we will be honored to participate.
January 3, 2014 at 6:56 pm
I look forward to participating again this year, albeit the shorter route this time. Jodie, I missed the drop down menu about t-shirts at sign up. Hope it works to let you know here that I don’t need a shirt.
January 3, 2014 at 10:24 pm
I miss you every day, sweet grandson.
February 8, 2014 at 3:23 am
Sweet baby Silas… we miss your easy smile. What a wonderful way to remember your little boy and raise funds for such a great organization that continues to help so many families.
March 14, 2014 at 2:28 pm
Sending best wishes to all participants from North Dakota: We will be thinking of you – may your kindness be richly blessed Love to all.
March 14, 2014 at 3:19 pm
Sorry – poor writing- I meant: Sending best wishes from North Dakota to ALL participants. We will be thinking of you…
February 21, 2017 at 6:49 am
I am a UCLA Nursing School classmate and friend of Shearon, your Mom, and I have had my heart and love with your family since I became aware of your loss. I worked with Compassionate friends early in my career and did my best to be a nurse practitioner sensitive to loved ones and the loss unable to be put into words. I am donating to the Dougy Center in Silas’ name as I cannot be at the event. I will hold your family in my thoughts.
May 24, 2018 at 10:49 pm
We lost our daughter a week after her first birthday to SUDC (Sudden Unexplained Death in Children) in 2016. I’d greatly appreciate the opportunity to connect – I was looking for some referrals/advice and Holly Pruett recmmended I reach out to you.
July 3, 2019 at 11:43 pm
I went on a walk at the Crystal Springs today and found the bench in memory of your son. My 4-month old daughter and I sat on the bench for a while and took in the ducks and the view. We were grateful to have a place to sit and rest. Just wanted to let you know that we took a moment to think of you and your family, and we are wishing you well.
July 4, 2019 at 4:50 pm
Thanks for reaching out and for the warm thoughts. I really appreciate it!
August 1, 2021 at 6:17 am
I was at the garden today and my daughter and I were reading the plaques on the benches, and we found Silas’s. Just wanted you to know a stranger was thinking of your sweet baby today and sending love and light to your family!
August 2, 2021 at 12:46 am
Thanks Kim. That means a lot!