Turning Heartbreak into Hope: How One Family is Supporting Grieving Parents

In a touching journey from grief to altruism, Katy and Brian Herman of Rocklin, California, transformed the heartbreaking loss of their son, Wesley Dean Herman, into a mission to help other families facing stillbirth and infant loss. After Wesley was stillborn on April 11, 2021, the couple felt compelled to provide support for others navigating such profound sorrow. They founded the Born Sleeping Foundation, raising funds to purchase Cuddle Cots—special cooling devices that enable families to spend precious time with their deceased infants.

Each Cuddle Cot, costing around $3,000, allows families to grieve in their own time and way, creating a more human experience around such a tragic loss. So far, the foundation has successfully donated nearly 30 Cuddle Cots across California, Nevada, and Washington. This remarkable initiative not only honors Wesley’s memory but also serves as a beacon of hope, showing that even in the darkest times, genuine compassion can emerge and uplift others in need.

The Hermans’ story underscores a vital need for support systems for families experiencing stillbirth. With over 21,000 stillbirths occurring each year in the U.S., their mission reminds us that no one should grieve alone and that we can come together to create lasting change in the face of tragedy.