After loss of a child, couple grows business to help others

A Wendell couple now helps other families coping with the loss of a loved one. After losing their own infant daughter, Troy and Nicole Kuhns grew a new business called “Planting Memories.”

They dedicated a wall in their home as a place to honor the short life of their infant daughter Cameron.

Nicole Kuhns said, “The only photo we have of Eason (their 3-and-half-year-old son) and Cameron is one on the day after she was born. Cameron was born a few weeks early, but seemingly healthy, until they learned she developed an enterovirus.

“She fought very hard for 29 days,” said Nicole.

Cameron passed away on Thanksgiving Day of 2022. For her parents, coping meant planting a tree in Cameron’s name as way to represent her fighting spirit.

Troy Kuhns said, “The common name is Persian ironwood, and it’s really dense wood, so I figured that’s a perfect fit for Cameron.”

The Kuhns’ began a web page to help others who face a similar loss. Their business, Planting Memories, plants a tree and a plaque to reflect the loved one lost.

“The tree will flower maybe on the date of death or the date of birth,” said Troy Kuhns.

“The whole idea behind it is to help families heal," his wife added.

The Kuhns, including son Eason, enjoy the special place in their own backyard dedicated to Cameron.

Nicole Kuhns said, “Our son knows it’s Cameron’s tree, which is a very sweet thing. He knows Cameron is in heaven.”

“Planting Memories” trees are now spreading in many yards, parks and spaces even beyond the Triangle. The trees offer both beauty and healing power.

“When we see the families there, and we’re installing the trees and tears and the happiness and the hugs, it has helped us,” said Troy Kuhns.

The Kuhns hope to work with more churches, businesses and other public places to allow the memorials as permanent additions.