Darryl is the father of Cynthia Tamara Elaine Gibbs. On November 17, 2000 at eight months of age, Cynthia was a victim of Shaken Baby Syndrome/with impact by the hands of her New York State certified child care provider. Cynthia died from massage brain damage as a result of her injuries. In Cynthia’s memory in 2001, Darryl founded The Cynthia Gibbs Foundation; a 501 C-3 advocacy organization dedicated the prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome, raising public awareness, criminal justice, and family support for victims and their families. 

Darryl is nationally recognized Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention educator, victims advocate, and lecturer who speaks at child abuse conferences worldwide, health care facilities, training seminars, schools, child care facilities, prisons, and community events. He had trained thousands of maternity nurses throughout New York State which in turn educate new parents of all newborns before discharge from the hospital. He shares “Cynthia’s Story,” along with his powerful message of courage, passion, inspiration, and love for the protection of our most vulnerable and precious resource---infants and young children. 

Darryl was worked to pass five laws in New York State that address Shaken Baby Syndrome. A social services law mandating all New York State certified child care providers be educated on the identification, diagnosis and prevention of Shaken baby Syndrome.  A public health law requiring all New York State maternity hospitals and birthing centers to requesting maternity patients and fathers of a newborn child view a video presentation on the dangers of shaking infants and young children. A correctional law requiring education on prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome as part of correctional education programs. In 2006, “Cynthia’s Law,” was enacted creating the new crime of Felony Reckless Assault for causing serious physical injury to the brain of a child less than 5 years old by means of shaking, slamming, or throwing a child. Further Cynthia’s Law required the New York State Department of Health to implement and ongoing Shaken Baby Public Information and Educational Campaign to inform the general public about the dangers of shaking children. Darryl’s advocacy was instrumental in implementing the first Shaken Baby Syndrome education program at the Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre in London Ontario Canada.

Darryl’s continued commitment to protecting our smallest children form the violence of Shaken Baby Syndrome is on the federal level. He used the public health model of Cynthia’s Law to create the first National Shaken Baby Public Health Campaign,  entitled “The Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention Act of 2010,” sponsored in the United States Congress by Congresswomen Nita Lowey (H.R. 4642) and Senator Christopher Dodd (S. 3003). Darryl is the national spokesman for this legislation that will bring the best in current prevention, awareness, and support to both families affected by abusive head trauma incidents as well as preventative support for frustrated parents and caregivers, and review data collection on Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Darryl serves as a Victims Advocate for the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. He is a father who has transformed his family’s devastation, pain, and grief into a mission which serves to protect our smallest children and ensuring right’s and resources to victims. As a Victim’s Rights Advocate he is sought after on CNN’s “Nancy Grace”.

Darryl’s work has been recognized by the national publications of People’s Magazine and Essence Magazine. He is the recipient of numerous awards, commendations and Proclamations including the City of Yonkers, New York highest honor, the “Key to the City.” In 2009, he was presented with the prestigious “Ambassador for Peace Award,” from the Universal Peace Federation for his dedicated work for the sake of others. The ranks of Ambassadors for peace include more than 50,000 diplomats, clergy, civic leaders, and current and former heads of state. 

Darryl is a true champion for children and passionate Advocate for Humanity,” who fervently believes that “A Child’s Life is Never Too Small to Save!”