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If you see a purple butterfly sticker near a newborn, you need to know what it means
In that poignant moment, Smith recognized the imperative to create a symbol that would serve as an eloquent advocate for parents grappling with the loss of a child, ensuring that such misunderstandings would never recur.
She conceived a poster for the NICU, conveying to both medical personnel and visitors that an incubator adorned with a purple butterfly signified the loss of one or more babies in a set of multiples.
“I chose butterflies as a tribute to those babies that took flight, and the color purple because it transcends gender distinctions,” explained Smith.
The concept of the purple butterfly, now under the auspices of the Skye High Foundation, has proliferated to hospitals spanning several nations across the globe.
Today, Callie is a vivacious and joyful seven-year-old, and Skye’s memory endures through purple butterfly mementos and other initiatives aimed at aiding families with babies like Skye worldwide. These purple butterflies have assumed diverse forms, from ornaments and cards to blankets and stuffed animals.
“While I may never eradicate such heart-wrenching experiences, the establishment of support networks and the implementation of simple symbols like stickers can alleviate the burden. It is an ordeal of unparalleled magnitude,” Smith reflected.
For any parent, the loss of a child, regardless of their age, is an insurmountable hardship. Millie Smith stands as a beacon of hope, dedicated to extending a helping hand to others in their darkest hours.
Kindly share this narrative so that others may comprehend the significance of a purple butterfly beside a newborn’s incubator!
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