PVHMC Auxiliary Donates Caring Cradles to Help Grieving Families Create Lasting Memories

Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center (PVHMC) is grateful to receive two Caring Cradles through a generous donation from the PVHMC Auxiliary, a non-profit corporation dedicated to volunteer service, raising money for the hospital’s Sick Baby and Hospital Assistance Fund and helping the community. A dedication ceremony was held at the hospital’s Women’s Center on February 25, 2025, to bless and celebrate the receiving of these cradles.

Every year, there are about 21,000 stillborn babies in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Caring Cradles technology slows the natural processes that occur after the passing of a baby. This gives families additional time to begin their grief journey, including spending time and creating memories - imprints and photos – with their baby.

PVHMC has received one cradle for infants up to one year old and one cradle for premature babies up to four pounds.

“This was a more emotional and intimate donation than anything else we’ve done before,” said Tony Santorufo, president of the PVHMC Auxiliary. “The idea of giving families more time with their demised babies was something very touching and motivating for me.”

Eleanor Lysecky, a major contributor to the fund, felt similarly because her son, Micheal Lysecky, was one of the first three patients cared for in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit when it was first established in 1973.

“I think it’s wonderful to be able to provide families a way to navigate through tough moments,” says Eleanor.

With more than 5,000 deliveries at PVHMC each year, it’s important to provide a means of support for families that experience infant loss. Having two additional Caring Cradles will play an enormous factor in the hospital’s ability to provide a little bit of extra, precious time for families.

“Technology such as the Caring Cradle is invaluable because it enables families the privacy and comfort to grieve in their own way,” says Kelly Jacobson, RN, a highly experienced maternity care nurse at PVHMC. “As someone who supports grieving parents, and as someone who has gone through similar experiences, I can attest to the importance of the Caring Cradles.”

Standard procedure typically gives families just four hours with their children. Having a 24-hour window is priceless for parents who wish to be with their child for as long as possible.

“Not only does this help our patients, but it also helps staff to facilitate the grieving process and find closure without feeling rushed,” says Patty Lirio, MSN, PHN, RNC-OB, Director of Women’s Services at PVHMC. “Adding two Caring Cradles to our two Cuddle Cots was one of the many steps that will make PVHMC a better place for families to feel supported in their grief journeys.”

If you would like to learn more about or support PVHMC’s Auxiliary, click here.

Learn more about maternity care at PVHMC, here.