PHOTO | UNSPLASH

The first Frank's Chili Fest Oct. 23 at the intersection of the Plaza and Commonwealth Avenue is a fundraiser and awareness campaign for sudden unexplained death in childhood.

The first Frank’s Chili Fest will be held Oct. 23 from 12-7 p.m. at the corner of The Plaza and Commonwealth Avenue.

The festival is in honor of Frank McLean, a 23-month-old who died unexpectedly in May 2019 and will raise money and awareness for sudden unexplained death in childhood. Frank’s memory has fueled medical research and highlighted SUDC, which occurs in children 12 months of age or older.

“Today, undetermined deaths from birth to age 18 have a higher annual mortality rate than all pediatric cancers combined,” said Carson McLean, Frank’s father. “While not nearly as prevalent as SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), which affects infants under age 1, SUDC is the third-largest cause of health-related deaths in toddlers.”

The free festival will take place rain or shine and includes all-day music, beverages, local artisans, and a chili cook-off by chefs from more than 20 local restaurants like Dish, Sweet Lew’s, Calle Sol, and Workman’s Friend.

Local artists will perform, including Josh Daniel, Kaska Sun, DapYP, Bianca Jade, and Captain Lunchbox.

COVID-19 vaccination and/or masks are encouraged. Wristbands on sale for $20 for all-you-can-taste chili and children under age 5 can eat for free. All chili-tasting proceeds and a percentage of merchant and beverage proceeds will support the SUDC Foundation & Kindermourn.

In North Carolina, Black, Hispanic, and American Indian babies are up to 2.4 times more likely to die before their first birthday.

Carson McLean founded the nonprofit Frank McLean Forever, to support families who lost a child to SUDC and raise money for research and awareness. The organization has raised and donated more than $40,000 in research and support of bereaved families in Charlotte.

 “Research is the only way to effect change, find answers for families, and prevent future pediatric deaths with no explanation,” Carson McLean said. “That’s why a major amount of our giving is dedicated to SUDC research and to supporting comprehensive, standardized investigations into all sudden unexpected pediatric deaths. There’s no such thing as closure, but if we know why these children are dying, that means we can prevent it.”

Aaliyah Bowden, who covers health at The Post, is a Report for America corps member.

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