When Millie Smith and Lewis Cann were expecting twin girls, they received devastating news that only one would survive. After 30 weeks of a high-risk pregnancy, Smith gave birth to identical twins Callie and Skye.
Tragically, Skye lived for only three hours.
While in the neonatal intensive care unit, Callie was without her sister, and her grieving parents watched over her.
During this time, a mother of healthy newborn twins innocently commented that Smith was "so lucky" not to have twins. Heartbroken, Smith realized that she needed to do something to help other families who have lost a child.
According Today.com, this realization led to the creation of a purple butterfly symbol.
Smith designed a poster explaining that a crib with a purple butterfly sticker indicates the loss of one or more babies. The butterfly symbol serves as a silent communicator to health staff and visitors, preventing uncomfortable or painful situations.
Today, Callie is a lively, happy seven-year-old, and the memory of the twins lives on through the purple butterfly initiative.
This symbol has now taken various forms, including decorations, cards, blankets, and stuffed animals, helping families worldwide who have experienced similar losses.
If you're not done reading about babies, you should check out the article below, where a newborn is already taking its first 'steps.'
