After experiencing the heartbreaking loss of their son, Daniel, who was stillborn, a Teutopolis couple decided to honor him through a special donation to Sarah Bush Lincoln.
Dustin and Tasha Ruholl purchased and donated a “Cuddle Cot” for the SBL Women & Children’s Center, which was dedicated during a special ceremony on Dec. 5. Cuddle Cots allow parents to keep their child in their room at the hospital for a precious 24 hours to say goodbye without trips back and forth to the morgue. This ultimately gives families the gift of more time with their sleeping baby, something the Ruholls desperately wanted more of.
The Cuddle Cot donation was facilitated by “Madison’s Miracles,” a non-profit organization that provides support and resources for grieving parents. Founder Christina Stamper, whose life was forever changed by the stillborn birth of her daughter, Madison, was on hand during the dedication ceremony and instructed SBL nurses on how to use the new equipment.
“These CuddleCots will do so much for so many. Parents who have experienced late miscarriages, stillbirth, and even infant loss (up to 1 year of age) can benefit from the use of a CuddleCot,” Tasha said. “It’s absolutely heartbreaking knowing that the CuddleCots will be put to good use, yet we know what a positive impact it will make on so many families. We couldn’t be prouder to be honoring our son, Daniel in such a profound way.”
The Ruholl’s initial goal was to raise enough funds in Daniel’s memory to provide a Cuddle Cot to Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, because this is where Daniel was born and where Tasha works as a speech-language pathologist. However, the couple raised enough money to purchase and donate Cuddle Cots to eight additional hospitals after an outpouring of support.
Pictured left to right are: “Madison’s Miracles” founder Christina Stamper with Dustin and Tasha Ruholl, holding son, Drasen, and photo of baby Daniel. The SBL Women & Children’s Center nursing staff joins the group in the second photo.