Dee-Dee Epstein is a wife and mother for whom her son's death will not be in vain which is why she has founded the Montreal chapter of The M.I.S.S. Foundation.

On February 16, 2006 Tristan Cody was born by VBAC alive but silent. Tristan's heart was strong and although he never cried, he held on to this world for 8 1/2 days. His older sister Marnie never got to meet Tristan but Dee-Dee proudly wears Tristan's handprint tattooed on her heart. Dee-Dee feels the need to support, empathize and share with other mothers' pain. The death of a baby and the issues that arise have been sorely neglected for too long here in Montreal.

Professional Life: Dee-Dee always felt her calling was to work with people and or animals, so after graduating from McGill University in 1997 with a Bachelor of Education she taught young, eager and impressionable minds at the elementary school level. In 2002 Dee-Dee gave up the chalk and eraser and picked up leashes and collars working as a dog walker and groomer. Dee-Dee was married and sprinkled with sticky baby dust in 2003 . Dee-Dee's first born, Marnie Leigh was born nine months later, May 25, 2004. Since Marnie's birth Dee-Dee's professional life has been more of a S.A.H.M. teaching, guiding and learning with her daughter.

After losing Tristan in 2006, Dee-Dee began working part time in a children's clothing boutique. She still works there with her youngest son Duncan born February 15, 2007, precisely one year (minus a day) after his brother Tristan was born.

Through it all, her strong and supportive husband Jim remains at her side.

DeeDee@missfoundation.org