Ep 14 - Greg Williams - Reagan's Rescue, A Grandfather Negotiates the Grief Process after Losing First Granddaughter to SBS/AHT

Attention on Prevention

You’ll meet Greg Williams in Episode 14 of the NCSBS' Attention on Prevention #podcast and the 5th episode in our 8-part April Child Abuse Prevention series diving deep into #ShakenBabySyndrome (SBS). Greg is the grandfather of Reagan, who was shaken and killed by her mother’s boyfriend when Reagan was 2 ½ years old.

Reagan was Greg’s first grandchild, and they shared a special bond, one that continues even after her passing. Greg takes us on his painful journey. From his suspecting that Reagan was being abused to the mismanaged investigation that resulted in a year before charges were even brought upon the perpetrator. Greg anguishes over the guilt he still feels about what he could have done and whether the family’s accepting a plea deal was the right thing to do.

Greg chronicles his relationship with Reagan in the journal he started writing for her since her birth and talks about the outlet it provided when he decided to keep journaling for Reagan even after her death. He describes the healing his family felt after they started the charitable fund, Reagan’s Rescue, that helps to keep her memory alive by providing support for families and children in need as well as educating about the dangers of SBS. His journey through the grief process is something he hopes he can share with others who deal with the grief of losing a loved one, and he hopes his story helps families learn to treasure the time that they have together.
Brought to you by the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome (NCSBS).

The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the NCSBS.
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