Helen’s Legacy of Time
For families facing the unimaginable loss of a baby, time becomes one of the most precious and meaningful gifts of all. The Helen James Foundation was created from a moment of heartbreak, but also from a moment of clarity. When Helen’s parents learned that a hospital serving countless families had only one CuddleCot available, they knew something had to change.
Founded in Helen’s memory, the Helen James Foundation is rooted in lived experience, compassion, and a deep commitment to ensuring families are supported during the most difficult moments of their lives. Through CuddleCot donations, bereavement spaces, community-led fundraising, and growing partnerships across the United States and Latin America, the foundation continues to bring dignity, choice, and time to families when they need it most.
In this interview, the foundation’s founder and Helen’s Mom Emily, reflects on Helen’s lasting legacy, the milestones that have shaped their journey, and the vision guiding their work forward.
1. The Helen James Foundation was created in memory of Helen. Could you share what inspired the foundation’s beginnings and how her story continues to guide your mission today?
The hospital where we had Helen had one CuddleCot that had been donated by a family about a year and a half before Helen’s passing. There was another family in the room next to ours who also experienced a loss, and it sparked a conversation about what would happen if they had wanted to use the CuddleCot as well. The hospital only had one, and it is the largest labor and delivery hospital in the state of Tennessee, which unfortunately means they see a great deal of loss.
We knew immediately that we had to help and donate another Cuddle Cot to the hospital. We started a fundraiser during our stay, and the outpouring of support was overwhelming. It quickly became clear that this was about so much more than one CuddleCot. From there, the idea for the Helen James Foundation was born. Helen is still doing meaningful work on this earth through us, and I firmly believe my purpose is to bring her story to life and help other families who have experienced the same unimaginable heartbreak that we have.
2. Over the years, the foundation has supported countless families and hospitals. What moments or milestones stand out as particularly meaningful in showing the impact of your work?
One of the most meaningful milestones was contributing to a Bereavement Room at the hospital where we had Helen. Returning there and seeing the doctors who cared for us, along with the space that families will now have with their babies, was truly a full-circle moment. Knowing there is a room named in Helen’s honor that is bringing comfort to other families during their grief gives us such peace.
Some of the most impactful moments have been meeting families who have used one of Helen’s CuddleCots. Hearing their stories and learning how the CuddleCot helped them process their loss and begin their grieving journey confirms what we already know to be true—that the gift of time is an incredible blessing.
3. The Helen James Foundation is making a growing impact across America and Latin America. Can you tell us more about the partnerships, outreach, or projects that are helping expand your reach and support for bereaved families in these regions?
My sister, Lindsay Lowery, is the Executive Director of Marketing and Growth of the Americas at CuddleCot and has been instrumental in connecting the Helen James Foundation with hospitals, other foundations, and loss families. Because of her support and relationships, we have had incredible opportunities to expand our reach. We went from actively searching for hospitals willing to accept a CuddleCot to having a growing list of hospitals ready and eager to receive one. Through these partnerships, HJF now has CuddleCots placed in hospitals throughout Mexico, Colombia, and Chile. We are honored to help lead the way in bereavement care and are deeply grateful to the hospitals that recognize the importance of supporting families during the most difficult moments of their lives.
4. Your community has played a remarkable role in sustaining the foundation’s mission. How have you engaged supporters in fundraising and awareness efforts, and what creative initiatives have meant the most to you?
Our family and friends have been incredibly supportive since we lost Helen. From the moment we shared that she was gone, they surrounded us with love and have continued to support us in every way possible. When we shared our desire to create the Helen James Foundation, they immediately stepped in to help spread the word and build awareness.
My husband, Joel, loves golf and has an amazing community of friends in our hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. Since 2021, we have hosted five golf tournaments, and those golfers show up year after year, excited to play and support the cause. It has become one of my husband’s favorite days of the year, and seeing him so proud of his peers and their commitment to our mission is incredibly special. The support from the golfers, sponsors, players, and volunteers means more to us than they will ever know.
The Helen James Foundation will be hosting 2026 golf tournament later this year. Follow the Helen James Foundation on Facebook and Instagram for more information.
5. Looking ahead, what are your priorities for the Helen James Foundation’s next chapter, and how can others get involved in helping you continue this vital work?
We are excited about what lies ahead for the Helen James Foundation and hope to continue building on the awareness we have created over the past seven and a half years. Our goal is to connect with more families across the United States and beyond and support them however we can during their grief journeys. We also hope to play a role in advancing legislation and standardization in bereavement care. Working alongside legislators to ensure families receive compassionate, consistent care during times of loss is an important next step for us. We are grateful for those who walk alongside us and help us continue this vital work in Helen’s honor.
The work of the Helen James Foundation is a powerful reminder that bereavement care is not an optional extra. It is an essential part of compassionate healthcare. From donating CuddleCots and creating dedicated bereavement spaces, to supporting families across borders and advocating for better standards of care, Helen’s legacy continues to touch lives far beyond her own story.
As the foundation looks to the future, its mission remains clear. No family should feel rushed, unsupported, or alone after loss. Through community, advocacy, and the simple but profound gift of time, the Helen James Foundation is helping reshape how loss is met, honored, and held.
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