When Millie and Louis learned they were expecting twins, they were filled with excitement and hope. But their joy turned to heartbreak when they discovered that one of their babies, Skye, had anencephaly, a condition that meant she wouldn’t survive long after birth. Skye passed away shortly after she was born, leaving her parents to grieve while caring for her surviving twin.
Determined to honor Skye’s memory and help other families facing similar losses, Millie and Louis founded the “Skye High Foundation.” They introduced the purple butterfly sticker, a simple yet profound symbol placed near newborns in NICU units. These stickers quietly communicate that a family has lost one of their babies in a multiple birth, helping to prevent unintentionally hurtful comments during an already difficult time.
The purple butterfly has become a beacon of hope and understanding for families who have experienced the unimaginable. It allows them to share their story without having to explain it repeatedly, offering a sense of compassion and solidarity. Millie and Louis know they can’t change what happened to Skye, but they are committed to making a difference for others. Through their foundation, they provide support groups and resources to help parents navigate the emotional challenges of losing a child.
As Millie says, “Ultimately, I will never be able to stop this from happening, but the more support groups we can set up and initiatives like the stickers we can put in place, the better it will be. It’s the hardest thing anyone has to deal with.” Their dedication to helping others is a testament to their strength and compassion, ensuring that Skye’s legacy lives on in a way that brings comfort and support to families in need.
