The Meaning Behind a Purple Butterfly Sticker Near a Newborn
When Millie Smith and Lewis Cann learned they were expecting twin girls, they were overjoyed. However, their joy was soon met with heartbreak when doctors informed them that one of their daughters, Skye, had a fatal condition and would not survive after birth.
At just 30 weeks, Millie gave birth to identical twins, Callie and Skye. While Callie remained in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to grow stronger, Skye lived for only three precious hours, cradled in her parents’ arms.
During their time in the NICU, a well-meaning parent unknowingly made a comment that deeply affected Millie—saying she was “lucky” to have only one baby. The moment made Millie realize that families experiencing such losses needed a gentle way to share their story without having to explain it over and over.
This realization led to the creation of the Purple Butterfly Initiative, a symbol placed on NICU incubators to indicate that one or more babies in a set of multiples had passed away. The butterfly represents the memory of those babies, and the color purple was chosen because it is meaningful for both boys and girls.
Now, through the Skye High Foundation, purple butterflies are used in hospitals worldwide to support grieving families and raise awareness about infant loss. The initiative offers not just awareness but also comfort to those who have experienced a similar journey.
Today, Callie is a happy and thriving child, and her sister Skye’s legacy lives on through this meaningful initiative.
By sharing this story, we can help spread awareness of what a purple butterfly next to a newborn means—a small but powerful way to support families who have endured loss.
