When Millie Smith and Lewis Cann discovered they were expecting twin daughters, their joy was soon accompanied by difficult news. During the pregnancy, doctors diagnosed one of the babies, Skye, with anencephaly, a rare condition that meant she would not survive long after birth. Even with this heartbreaking prognosis, the couple chose to continue the pregnancy, determined to spend whatever time they could with both of their children and honor the life of each baby.
The twins were born prematurely, and Skye lived for a short time after birth, giving her parents the opportunity to hold her and say goodbye. Meanwhile, her sister Callie remained in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) as she continued to grow stronger. While spending time in the NICU, Millie experienced a moment that would later inspire an important change. Another parent, unaware of her situation, made a casual comment about how fortunate she was not to be caring for twins. Though not meant to cause harm, the remark highlighted how easily people could misunderstand the circumstances of families who had lost one baby in a multiple birth.
This experience led Millie to create a simple yet meaningful symbol: the purple butterfly. Placed on an incubator or near a baby’s hospital bed, the butterfly quietly indicates that a child from a multiple pregnancy has passed away. The symbol helps healthcare staff and visitors approach families with greater sensitivity, allowing them to understand the situation without asking difficult questions during an already emotional time.
The idea eventually grew into the Skye High Foundation, an initiative dedicated to supporting families who experience similar loss. Today, the purple butterfly symbol is used in hospitals across several countries and appears on cards, blankets, and small keepsakes. While Callie has grown into a happy young girl, Skye’s brief life continues to inspire compassion and awareness. Through this thoughtful symbol, many families now receive a little more understanding during one of the most delicate moments of their lives.