Millie Smith and Lewis Cann faced a unique journey into parenthood.
They were overjoyed to learn they were expecting twins, but their happiness turned to sorrow when they discovered that one of their babies would not survive. Despite this heartbreaking news, they chose to continue with the pregnancy, embracing both joy and grief.
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Their twin girls, Skye and Callie, were born prematurely, with Skye living for only three hours. This loss deeply affected Millie, particularly in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where she had to endure comments from other parents not aware of her situation. One such comment about her being “lucky” to not have two babies left her devastated, as it reminded her of her loss.
Millie turned her grief into action, creating the purple butterfly symbol to signify the loss of a baby in multiple births. This symbol, placed on incubators, informs hospital staff and visitors of the family’s loss, fostering a more understanding environment. This initiative, part of the Skye High Foundation, has since spread to hospitals worldwide.
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The purple butterfly has become a symbol of remembrance for babies like Skye, embodied in various items like cards, blankets, and stuffed animals. Millie’s efforts aim to provide support and awareness for families experiencing similar losses.
Today, Callie, the surviving twin, is a vibrant seven-year-old, and Skye’s memory continues to live on through these initiatives. Millie’s dedication to helping others in similar situations shows her strength and compassion.
This story is a reminder of the challenges and triumphs in life and the importance of support and understanding in times of loss. Millie Smith’s journey from grief to helping others is truly inspiring. Finding a purple butterfly next to a newborn is a gentle nod to a story of love, loss, and hope.
