After losing our beautiful son, Kelton, we became part of a community no parent ever wants to join a Butterfly Families.

The butterfly is a powerful symbol for families who have experienced the loss of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. It represents love, hope, transformation, and the unbreakable bond we will always share with our children who were taken too soon.

When Kelton was born, we were given the gift of a Cuddle Cot. A Cuddle Cot is a specialised cooling system that fits into a bassinet, allowing bereaved parents precious, uninterrupted time with their baby. It gives families the chance to hold their child, introduce them to loved ones, take photographs, create memories, and say goodbye in their own time. These moments are irreplaceable.

On the day Kelton was born, another family at Maitland Hospital was also facing unimaginable heartbreak. In the midst of our own grief, our incredible midwife had to tell us that the Cuddle Cot we were relying on wasn’t working. With only two Cuddle Cots available in the hospital, one had failed.

No parent should ever have to hear those words.

No parent should ever have to worry that their limited time with their baby could be taken away by something so preventable.

That moment has stayed with us, and it is why I am now asking for your help.

A new Cuddle Cot costs approximately $8,000–$10,000. My goal is to raise enough funds to donate one to Maitland Hospital, so that no other family is ever placed in the heartbreaking position we experienced. Every baby deserves dignity, and every parent deserves time.

Our journey through years of infertility, IVF, and now the devastating loss of Kelton has taken an enormous emotional, physical, and financial toll. If this fundraiser is able to raise more than the cost of the Cuddle Cot, any additional funds will go directly toward our next and most difficult chapter continuing our IVF journey in the hope of bringing home the sibling Kelton should have had and Sawyer truly deserve to hold.

This is where you can help.

If you are able, please consider donating, no amount is too small. Every dollar brings us closer to ensuring another family has the time they deserve with their baby. If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this page. Sharing is just as powerful and helps us reach people who may be able to help.

Together, we can turn our heartbreak into something that brings comfort to others in their darkest moments.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for helping us honour Kelton in the most meaningful way we can.

For our beautiful boy, Kelton. Forever loved. Forever missed.