Hopkinsville, KY – On Wednesday, June 29, the Jennie Stuart Health Foundation held a reception to dedicate a Caring Cradle, donated by the Disney family of Clarksville, Tennessee. Foundation Executive Director Tracey Clark opened the dedication by thanking Kelsey and Nick Disney for their generous gift to the Obstetrics floor of Jennie Stuart Medical Center.
Using cooling mechanisms, a Caring Cradle allows grieving parents extra time with their baby following a stillbirth. Having experienced comfort previously provided by a Caring Cradle during their own difficult loss, Kelsey and Nick set out to provide this special equipment for families who experience similar heartache. They engaged friends and family through various fundraisers to raise money that would allow them to donate a Caring Cradle to a hospital that currently did not have one.
“I’m so grateful to be able to make this donation in honor of our daughter, Bella River, who was stillborn on August 30, 2020,” Kelsey Disney shared. “I hope that it can be of comfort to other grieving families as much as it was to us during our time of need.” During the dedication, a plaque that is permanently displayed on the Caring Cradle was presented in memory of Bella River Disney.
Among those assembled for the dedication were hospital administration, Obstetrics floor staff, Foundation staff, a JSMC Trustee and Foundation Board representative, and members of the Disney Family. Janice Johnson, director of JSH Family Services, shared her gratitude for this special gift on behalf of her team.
“Thank you for your kindness, generosity and thoughtfulness,” Johnson said. “This is something that will be utilized by moms that have a loss and will give them the opportunity to spend more time with their baby, bond with their baby, hold their baby and make memories that will last a lifetime.”
“This gift is a stellar example of how caring individuals can impact and expand services we provide through our community hospital,” Clark added. “Bella’s Cradle will impact lives in such a special way for years to come.”
If you are interested in learning how to support Jennie Stuart Health through the Foundation, please visit www.JennieStuartHealth.org/Foundation or call 270.887.0181. There are many donor options available, and JSHF would be happy to help you identify the best way to give according to your interests.
About Jennie Stuart Health Foundation: Formed in 2018, Jennie Stuart Health Foundation is a philanthropic subsidiary of Jennie Stuart Health. The Foundation is a designated 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and all contributions are tax-deductible. Administrative expenses for the Foundation are provided by Jennie Stuart Health, so donors can feel confident that 100% of their contributions will directly support community care and service expansion.
