Family of Lauren Miller Reaches $150K Fundraising Goal Following Her Untimely Passing
The family of the late Real Housewives executive production assistant Lauren Miller has successfully met their fundraising goal of $150,000 following her untimely passing during childbirth.
On Father’s Day, June 15, the family exceeded their second goal, raising a total of $150,075 to assist Miller’s family as they cope with their loss. Over 380 individuals contributed, with donations varying from $10 to as much as $10,000.
Shed Media, the production company behind The Real Housewives of New York City and The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, announced on Thursday, June 12, that Miller “died unexpectedly just moments after giving birth” to a baby boy. Her newborn son, Jackson, was placed in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) following his birth but has since been discharged. (Lauren also shared a 3-year-old daughter, Emma, with her husband Kevin Miller.)
A GoFundMe campaign initiated by Miller’s friend and Shed coworker Sherri Pender garnered over 800 donations within just 72 hours of its creation. Pender explained that she launched the fundraising effort to help “take care of the thing Lauren cherished beyond all else: her family.”
“We are heartbroken by the tragic passing of our dear friend and coworker, Lauren. She died on June 9th, suddenly, just moments after giving birth to her son,” reads a message on the GoFundMe page. “This unimaginable loss is difficult to comprehend, and the void that Lauren has left in this world and her family is one that can never be filled. We are devastated for her beloved husband, Kevin, who must now unexpectedly assume the sole role of parenting their two children.”
Following the fundraiser’s success, organizers shared an uplifting update from Kevin after he brought baby Jackson home on Friday, June 13.
“Kevin is thrilled to announce that baby Jackson is now home with his dad and sister after being discharged from the NICU,” a message on the GoFundMe page stated. “[Kevin shared that] he has been an angel, eating and sleeping like a champ. He is already so alert and attentive at just 4 days old.”
Pender reassured the donors that Kevin was “deeply touched by everyone’s generosity and kindness.”
“It’s been just over 48 hours since we launched this fundraiser. As Lauren’s coworkers, we are all truly amazed by the level of support we’ve received,” Pender wrote on Thursday. “While we navigate our own grief, it has been profoundly heartening to witness the spread of this fundraiser. We surpassed our initial target and are quickly nearing the second. A heartfelt thanks to everyone for their donations and for sharing this with your networks.”
She concluded: “Today, we heard from a charity that provides baby formula and diapers to families following a maternal loss. They can also connect Kevin with support groups. He has a long journey ahead, and we want to ensure we are there for him throughout.”
Kevin shared his feelings about his wife’s passing on Friday in response to Shed Media’s original announcement.
“Lauren is the love of my life, and I was blessed by God that she chose to spend her life with me and to give me two beautiful children to remember her every minute of every day,” Kevin expressed via Instagram. “Please pray for our family, and thank you all for your prayers, kind words, and thoughts. God bless.”
RHOSLC cast member Heather Gay and RHONY’s Sai de Silva were among notable figures in the Bravoverse who paid tribute to Miller.
“Prayers for her family and friends,” The Real Housewives of Orange County’s Tamra Judge remarked via Instagram. “This is absolutely heartbreaking.”
The cause of death has yet to be disclosed.
