Born during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic on November 2, 2020, Derrick Stone Bowerman was a healthy, beautiful baby whose spirit radiated sunshine. In his short life, Derrick brought immeasurable love and light into the world. He was sweet, silly, and strong, already rolling over both ways at only one month old!
Tummy time became one of the most special bonding rituals between Derrick and his mom, Alexandria Bowerman, who now serves as the Chief Operations Officer of Together We Thrive and is also the founder of Derrick Stone Safe Sleep.
Derrick was (and still is!) deeply loved, and his life continues to shape the work we do today.
What Happened
Just one day shy of two months old, Derrick passed away while in the care of a family member. A minor, unfamiliar with safe sleep practices, placed Derrick to sleep on an adult bed with his head on a pillow. Derrick rolled off the pillow and suffocated on the mattress.
This was a preventable loss that changed everything.
The pain of losing a child is unimaginable. And for families who have experienced a preventable tragedy, the grief is often layered with the painful reality that more education, awareness, or support may have changed the outcome.
The Truth About Safe Sleep
Derrick’s death exposed a painful truth: safe sleep is not always intuitive.
Many families and caregivers genuinely do not realize how dangerous adult beds, pillows, blankets, or soft sleep surfaces can be for infants. Unsafe sleep environments remain one of the most preventable risks for babies, which is why education matters.
At Together We Thrive, we believe families deserve clear, compassionate, and evidence-based information, not shame, fear, or assumptions that “everyone already knows.”
Turning Grief Into Purpose
In Alexandria’s words:
“Derrick has taught me more than I ever had the chance to teach him.”
Through unimaginable loss, Alexandria transformed her grief into purpose. She has dedicated herself to safe sleep education, advocacy, and prevention, helping ensure that other families are informed, empowered, and supported.
Her work through Derrick Stone Safe Sleep and her leadership within Together We Thrive are rooted in one mission: to help prevent other families from experiencing the kind of loss that changed her life forever.
Why Derrick’s Story Matters to Together We Thrive
Derrick’s story is one of the main reasons Together We Thrive was created, and is why we are so deeply committed to infant safety, prevention, and family education.
We believe families deserve access to the kind of trusted information that can save lives. Through education, advocacy, and community connection, we hope to help parents and caregivers feel more informed, more supported, and more confident in protecting their children.
Derrick’s legacy lives on through every conversation, every resource shared, and every family reached with safer sleep education.
Derrick’s Legacy
Derrick’s legacy is one of light.
He was, and remains, his mother’s “sonshine,” and through him, a mission was born that continues to help families grow stronger, safer, and more informed.
His life matters.
His story matters.
And his light continues to shine through the work being done in his honor.
What Families Can Do Now
You can honor Derrick’s life by spreading safe sleep awareness.
Families and caregivers can:
- Learn safe sleep basics
- Share safe sleep information with loved ones
- Ask questions and seek trusted education
- Help raise awareness in their own communities
You can also:
- Support our mission and community outreach
- Explore our infant safety resources
- Connect with us for education and support
- Partner with us to expand prevention efforts