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Tragic loss in the Bronx: A community remembers a devoted mother
In a heart-wrenching memorial service held on Sunday, the Bronx community gathered to honor Lisa Cotton and her disabled son, Nazir Milien, who were found dead in their apartment earlier this month.
The service, attended by over 100 mourners, was a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by families with special needs and the importance of community support.
Community support shines through tragedy
The nonprofit organization “NYPD With Arms Wide Open,” co-founded by veteran officer Merrit Riley, stepped in to provide food for the service, while New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie covered the funeral costs.
This act of kindness underscores the community’s commitment to supporting families in crisis. Riley, who has a special needs son himself, expressed his deep empathy for Cotton’s family, stating, “When we hear a story like this, you wouldn’t be human if you didn’t help.”
A mother’s love and struggles
Lisa Cotton, remembered as a loving mother, faced immense challenges while caring for her son, who required a wheelchair and feeding tube. Her sister, Tawana Smith-Tention, delivered a heartfelt eulogy, emphasizing that Cotton was a devoted parent who simply needed more support.
“My sister needed help to take care of her son,” Smith-Tention said. “She wasn’t getting it.” This sentiment resonates with many families who struggle to navigate the complexities of caregiving, especially for children with disabilities.
The search for answers
The tragic circumstances surrounding Cotton’s death have left many in the community seeking answers. Investigators believe that Cotton may have died from cardiac arrest, while her son may have succumbed to starvation. Daisy Griffin, a childhood friend, voiced the community’s concerns, stating, “I just want to know what really happened to her.” The case has drawn attention to the role of the city’s Administration for Children’s Services, which had visited the family just a day before the discovery of their bodies, leaving many to question the effectiveness of the support systems in place.
As the Bronx community mourns this tragic loss, it also reflects on the importance of compassion and support for families facing similar challenges. The memorial service not only honored the lives of Lisa and Nazir but also served as a call to action for better resources and assistance for families in need. In a world where struggles often go unseen, the community’s response to this tragedy highlights the power of unity and love in the face of adversity.
