The Tidwell family’s 14th CuddleCot donation brings compassionate bereavement care to Naval Hospital Jacksonville.
When Meaghen and her family lost their son, Miller Michael Tidwell, on October 15, 2021, they experienced a heartbreak no parent should have to endure.
After noticing that Miller wasn’t moving, Meaghen went to the hospital, where doctors confirmed that his heart had stopped beating. What followed was not only the loss of her son but a medical emergency that threatened her own life.
Miller was born that evening at 9:08 p.m., measuring 14 inches long and weighing just under two pounds.
In sharing her story, Meaghen wrote:
“Miller was loved, wanted, and the void we feel is vast. Our dream is to ensure that more good comes out of his passing than bad.”
That hope has become a remarkable legacy.
Fourteen CuddleCots. One Very Loved Little Boy.
Since Miller’s passing, the Tidwell family, together with friends and supporters, has raised $49,000 to fund 14 CuddleCots in his memory.
With each CuddleCot having the potential to serve hundreds of families throughout its lifetime, Miller’s legacy could bring the gift of time to thousands of parents facing stillbirth and infant loss.
CuddleCots are specialized bereavement cooling devices that allow parents and loved ones additional time to hold their baby, create memories, and say goodbye.
For Meaghen, that time made a difference. As she shared in her original story:
“While I hope no family ever finds themselves in this situation, I hope the CuddleCot is as cathartic to them as it was for us.”
A Special Placement for Military Families
The Tidwell family’s 14th CuddleCot has found a home at Naval Hospital Jacksonville in Florida, extending Miller’s legacy to families receiving care within the military healthcare system.
Military hospitals serve a unique community of active-duty service members and their families. While their circumstances and responsibilities may differ from those of civilian families, the need for compassionate care following the loss of a baby is universal.
This placement will help ensure that families at Naval Hospital Jacksonville have access to more time with their babies during an experience no one can fully prepare for.
For Ashlie’s Embrace, expanding access to bereavement cooling devices in military hospitals is another meaningful step toward making this resource available to families wherever they receive care.
Miller’s Legacy Continues
What began as one family’s hope to bring more good into the world in Miller’s memory has grown into 14 CuddleCots, each with the potential to support families for years to come.
To Meaghen, the Tidwell family, and everyone who has supported Miller’s CuddleCot Campaign—thank you for allowing us to be part of honoring Miller and for the difference you’re making for families across the country.
Fourteen CuddleCots. Thousands of potential moments together. All in memory of Miller Michael Tidwell.
