October 27, 2015 
 
Contact: Tom Argyle
Public Relations
(220) 564-1564
targyle@LMHealth.org

LMH Receives CuddleCot Donation

Kayla Cunningham, of Newark, is donating a CuddleCot to Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH) in hope of aiding families who are mourning the loss of a stillborn baby.  Kayla raised funds through an online giving campaign to purchase the CuddleCot in memory of her son, Taylor Mason Cunningham, who was born still at LMH on May 23, 2015. 

The CuddleCot is a small cooling system designed to fit inside any crib, bassinet or basket, and allows the baby to remain in the room with their families for a longer period of time.  The option to spend additional time with the baby – up to the entire length of the Hospital stay – affords parents, grandparents, siblings and other family members the opportunity to say goodbye without feeling rushed.  While the unit may not be suitable for every family affected by a stillbirth, having the choice available to spend extra time with the baby may be a valuable part of the grieving process.  

After reading about the CuddleCot in an online support group for mothers of stillborn babies, Kayla realized the tremendous difference it could make for other families affected by such a tragedy.  She worked with the U.S. CuddleCot Campaign Initiative and Garrett’s Project to raise the necessary funds over several months and will donate the system to LMH on October 28.  


Licking Memorial Hospital has served the medical needs of Licking County residents since it was founded in 1898.  The 227-bed facility employs approximately 1,900 staff members to meet the healthcare needs of the community.  Licking Memorial Hospital is proud to have been named to Truven Health Analytics’ national list of 100 Top Hospitals a total of 12 times.  For more information, visit www.LMHealth.org.