Meet Donors Erin & Cameron

In the fall of 2022, Erin and Cameron were overjoyed to be expecting their first child. They eagerly anticipated their little one’s arrival, decorated the nursery, brainstormed names and dreamed of their future together. But on October 20, 2022 as they neared their daughter’s due date, that joy came crashing down: “I’m sorry, there is no heartbeat.”

Their daughter, Briar Mica von Poser, silently entered the world only hours after hearing her strong heartbeat. Erin’s pregnancy had been complicated with the recent development of Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP) — a liver condition that, even under careful monitoring, can pose a fatal risk. Their grief became a turning point in their lives as they found ways to parent their little girl who didn’t get to come home.

Erin and Cameron made a remarkable choice. They channeled their pain into purpose, working with the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation to ensure other families walking through loss would have something they never did: more time.

Why It’s In Erin and Cameron’s Nature to Give

As Erin and Cameron were confronted with the reality of stillbirth, they faced decisions no parents should ever have to make. Hospital policies meant Briar’s body needed to be transported immediately, moments they would forever wish they had the ability to have more time together. They looked back and imagined: “What if we’d had more time?”

That’s where the CuddleCot came in. These cooling bassinets allow babies to stay with their grieving families longer, giving parents precious moments that can’t be retrieved and opportunities they will never get again. Erin and Cameron partnered with the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation to fundraise for one of these units to donate in Briar’s honour, ensuring other parents won’t face the same separation.

Their efforts have been astounding – more than $35,000 raised, which brought CuddleCots not only to Nanaimo Regional Hospital, but also to hospitals in Courtenay, Duncan, Port Alberni, and Salt Spring Island. NRGH perinatal team leaders have shared how this equipment eases the emotional burden for grieving families, and even for the providers supporting them.

Briar’s parents reflect on their short time with her: “If we had gotten more time with our little girl, there are so many more things we would have done to make up for a lifetime of missed opportunities. We hope the parents that come after us will feel Briar keeping their little ones safe in her CuddleCots and know that they are not alone in this journey.”

Giving Continued, A New Beginning

Their work didn’t stop with the CuddleCots. Erin and Cameron also began an annual bursary in Briar’s name to send a child to pony camp each year. And while they’re ready to help fund more CuddleCots where needed, another miracle came into their lives: they welcomed Briar’s little sister Aura in 2023, almost two years old now. Aura is a daily reminder of both the pain they lived through, and the hope they continue to carry forward.

It’s a bittersweet balance, and one they’ve chosen to honour by ensuring no parent faces those early days without comfort and care.