To help give grieving families the gift of time after their loss, Ashlie’s Embrace and the Burman family of Minerva, Ohio, visited Angela Hospice on July 12 to donate a CuddleCot™. Erin Maroon  of Ashlie's Embrace In a moving presentation, Ashlie’s Embrace co-founder Erin Maroon shared the story of how she was determined to help other families after experiencing the loss of her full-term daughter, Ashlie. Maroon had not heard of CuddleCots, but once she learned about the device, it became her mission to bring them to medical centers throughout the United States. CuddleCots™ consist of a cooling unit and pad that lay in a bassinet or Moses basket and keep a baby cool after stillbirth or infant loss. The cool temperatures slow the natural changes that occur after death, which gives parents and families more time to process their loss. Loved ones can change the baby’s diaper, bathe their baby, or take photos. The device is manufactured and used extensively in the United Ki...

Hiatham Breadiy  and his mother, Azeza.  The first thing you notice about Azeza Breadiy is her immense determination and focus. Her firstborn son, Hiatham, has a severe form of epilepsy called Lafora Disease. This disease typically doesn’t manifest itself until adolescence. Children grow up normally, with no perceivable problems until they begin to suffer with seizures. Hiatham is 15 and was recently diagnosed with Lafora. From manifestation, which is normally the first seizure, a Lafora victim will die typically within 10 years. There is no cure. Therapy is primarily palliative and aimed at reducing seizures. This is when Angela Hospice stepped in to support the Breadiy family. Social Worker Amanda Davis Amanda Davis is Hiatham’s Angela Hospice social worker. She has teamed up with Azeza and the family to help find community resources for the many things they need to keep Hiatham comfortable. The Breadiy family has three other children, Sophie, age 11; Gehad, ...