On June 12th, 2025 Jesus and I welcomed our daughter, Juliana Amaryllis Veras, who was born sleeping.

Juliana was diagnosed with suspected Trisomy 13 at just 11 weeks gestation. For 34 weeks, as my body fought to keep her alive, she fought too; strong not only in her tiny kicks but in the glimpses of her personality we came to know and love even from the womb. She was silly, mischievous, and full of life. I know that if given the chance, Juliana would’ve filled our days with laughter, love, and energy.

But we didn’t get that chance. We didn’t even get a moment with her earth-side. And our hearts are irrevocably shattered.

Amid the overwhelming grief and deep love we felt when we met her beautiful face for the first time, we were also met with a gift we didn’t even know we’d need—time.

We were given access to a CuddleCot, a device that helps keep stillborn babies cool so their families can spend precious extra time with them. If you’ve never heard of one, consider yourself fortunate. But for families like mine, it’s an invaluable blessing.

Thanks to the CuddleCot, I was able to bathe my daughter, dress her in tiny outfits, read to her, rock her, kiss her cheeks, and whisper just how much I love her. It didn’t take away the pain. It didn’t undo the loss. But it gave me the gift of motherhood and to Jesus, fatherhood even if brief, moments to hold, love, and say goodbye to our baby girl.

Now, I want to give that same gift to another family who may one day face the unimaginable.

Our goal is to donate a CuddleCot in Juliana’s name to a local hospital, so another grieving family can have the time they deserve. A small plaque with her name will be placed on it—so that her impact, though born in loss, can stretch beyond us. So other babies, loved just as deeply, but gone far too soon, can be honored too.

If you’ve read this far—thank you. Truly.

Any contribution, big or small, helps.

With love and gratitude,

Juliana’s Mom & Dad