A Tiny Purple Butterfly Sticker on a Newborn’s Incubator Carries a World of Heartbreak and Hope
At first glance, it looks like just a small, delicate purple butterfly—a simple sticker on a NICU incubator. But behind that quiet symbol lies a story of profound loss and resilience that few know, yet many silently live through.
For Millie Smith, that butterfly became a beacon: a way to say not all twins leave the hospital side by side. What unfolded in one hospital room became a catalyst for a worldwide movement born from grief, compassion, and hope.
What the Purple Butterfly Sticker Really Means
When Millie Smith and her partner Lewis Cann found out they were expecting identical twin girls, their joy knew no bounds. But joy quickly turned to sorrow when they learned that only one of their daughters would survive.
Born prematurely at 30 weeks, Skye lived just three brief hours. Meanwhile, her sister Callie fought on in the NICU, surrounded by love and heartbreaking silence.
One day, a well-meaning but painful comment from another parent—who told Millie she was “lucky” to have only one baby—cut deeper than words. That moment lit a spark in Millie’s heart: something had to change. And it started with a butterfly.
A Heartbreaking Diagnosis
Early in the pregnancy, Millie’s maternal instinct was right: twins. But two weeks later, devastating news arrived—one of the babies was diagnosed with anencephaly, a rare and fatal condition where the brain and skull don’t fully develop. According to the CDC, almost all babies born with this condition do not survive long after birth.
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Despite the devastating prognosis, Millie and Lewis chose to carry their daughters to birth, treasuring every second they could have.
Skye’s Name—A Symbol of Eternal Connection
They named their daughters Callie and Skye before birth, a way to give Skye her identity while she was still with them. “Skye” was chosen as a symbol of a place to look up to—a sky where she would always be present.
On April 30, their daughters were delivered by emergency C-section. Against all odds, Skye cried at birth—a tiny, powerful fight for life. She remained in her parents’ arms for three precious hours before passing peacefully.
“It was the hardest moment of my life,” Millie recalls, “but I am proud she fought to be with us, even for that short time.”
The Butterfly: A Silent, Powerful Symbol
As Callie recovered, Millie found herself navigating a NICU world filled with other families—many unaware of her loss. When a parent remarked she was “lucky” to only have one baby, the pain was overwhelming. Millie fled the room, unable to explain the depth of her grief.
That moment inspired her to create a simple but profound symbol: the purple butterfly. It would silently communicate the invisible pain of parents who lost one or more babies from a multiple pregnancy.
“Butterflies represent souls that have flown away,” Millie said, “and purple is a color that doesn’t signify any particular gender—it’s inclusive of all.”
From Personal Grief to Global Compassion
Millie’s purple butterfly idea sparked the creation of the Skye High Foundation, now a global force in supporting families facing similar heartbreak. Hospitals worldwide have embraced the purple butterfly initiative, using stickers, cards, and visual reminders to foster awareness and prevent insensitive comments.
Today, Callie is a vibrant seven-year-old, a living testament to hope. And Skye’s legacy soars on every purple butterfly, symbolizing all babies who left too soon.
Millie continues to expand her mission through awareness campaigns, supportive networks, and meaningful merchandise—bringing comfort to grieving parents everywhere.
“Nothing can erase the pain,” she admits, “but together, we can make sure no one has to face it alone.”
In Closing
What began as a heartbreaking story in a NICU has blossomed into a movement of empathy and remembrance. Millie Smith’s purple butterfly quietly speaks volumes—offering understanding to grieving parents and honoring the memory of babies lost too soon.
Through compassion and connection, Millie has transformed her pain into purpose, ensuring that babies like Skye are never forgotten, and that families never have to suffer in silence.