A fundraiser in memory of Wesley.
Sometimes, the most meaningful connections begin in the most unexpected ways.
When a shipping mix-up caused a bereavement care package from the Harbour Knoxx Peabody Foundation to be delivered to Ashlie’s Embrace co-founder Erin Maroon instead of its intended recipient, an unexpected opportunity to help another family emerged.
The package had been carefully prepared by foundation founder Elizabeth Peabody for a family experiencing loss. Rather than having Erin return it, Elizabeth generously encouraged her to share the contents with another family who might need them.
Harbour’s Hope Boxes are bereavement care packages provided by The Harbour Knoxx Peabody Foundation to families experiencing the loss of a baby.
That afternoon, Erin offered the box in her local moms’ Facebook group. The first person to comment was Mariah Gillespie, who said she’d found out just that morning that her son, Wesley, had no heartbeat. Erin delivered the box to Mariah’s home a few hours later.
What began as a shipping mix-up became a connection between two moms who both understood the heartbreak of losing a baby.
Wesley’s Story
Mariah was 16 weeks pregnant with her third son, Wesley, when an ultrasound showed that his heart had stopped beating. His due date was October 31, 2026.
As a former NICU and Mom and Baby nurse, Mariah understood the importance of compassionate bereavement care long before experiencing this loss herself. But losing Wesley brought a deeply personal understanding of just how much those moments, memories, and opportunities to say goodbye can mean to a family.
After connecting with Erin, Mariah attended the 2026 Ashlie’s Embrace FriendRaiser Gala, where she saw firsthand the community working to bring bereavement cooling devices to hospitals nationwide.
Inspired to help other families, she started a fundraiser in Wesley’s memory with a goal of raising $3,500 to fund a CuddleCot.
A CuddleCot is a specialized cooling device that allows families experiencing stillbirth and infant loss more time with their baby—time to hold them, make memories, and say goodbye without feeling rushed.
If you would like to support Mariah’s fundraiser, every contribution brings her closer to helping another family receive the gift of time.
Support Mariah’s Fundraiser in Memory of Wesley
Inspired to Make a Difference?
Mariah’s story is a reminder that support can begin with one connection, one idea, or one person deciding to help.
Through Ashlie’s Embrace, anyone can create a personal fundraiser to honor a baby, celebrate a milestone, or bring friends and family together around a cause that matters to them.
You don’t need to organize a large event or have fundraising experience. Simply create your page, share why the mission matters to you, and invite others to be part of it.
Start Your Own Fundraiser for Ashlie’s Embrace
To Mariah and her family, thank you for allowing us to know Wesley through your story and for choosing to honor him by helping other families. His name, his life, and the love surrounding him matter.
