Millie Smith and Lewis Cann were overjoyed to learn they were expecting identical twin girls but were devastated when doctors informed them that one of their babies had a fatal condition called anencephaly and would not survive after birth. Despite the emotional toll and high-risk nature of the pregnancy, the couple decided to continue, cherishing every moment with both daughters. On April 30, after just 30 weeks, Smith gave birth to Callie and Skye, with Skye living only for three precious hours. Though heartbroken, the couple found solace in those moments, holding and loving Skye as she peacefully passed away in their arms.
In the neonatal intensive care unit, Callie remained in the incubator without her twin, and Smith faced a heartbreaking moment when another mother innocently remarked that she was “lucky” to have only one baby. Struggling to express her grief, Smith channeled her pain into a powerful mission—to honor Skye’s memory by supporting other grieving parents. This led to the creation of the purple butterfly symbol, designed to raise awareness about infant loss and ensure that bereaved parents are met with understanding and compassion. Skye’s brief life left a lasting impact, inspiring a movement that continues to provide comfort and support to families experiencing similar tragedies.