For Olive

In September of last year, our daughter, Olive Jane Neil was brought into the world, still-born. It was during her 20 week scan that we discovered something wrong with Olive’s heart. After some further testing, our worst fears were confirmed. Olive was diagnosed with a severe chromosomal abnormality, and her heart had been severely affected.

We were faced with a harrowing decision – to either go ahead with the pregnancy, or to end it - known as a Termination for Medical Reasons (TFMR). We were told her heart defect was so serious, it was likely she would live only for a few minutes once she was born at full term. At best, she was facing a world of life support machines and surgeries that were unlikely to save her life. We decided it was best to give Olive a peace offering, and end the pregnancy.

What followed was a heartbreaking, but special time. Labour was induced at 22 weeks, and Olive was born at 11pm, on the 27th September 2021. She was so perfect, a tiny version of who she might have been. We felt so privileged to spend the time with her that we did. We held her close for one whole day and night, before deciding it was time to say goodbye. We think back to that time now and treasure those moments as the only ones we will have with Olive.

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At the hospital, we were privileged to have access to a Cuddle Cot – a cooling system that lays beneath a baby within a bassinet. It enables bereaved families to keep their baby close and spend as much time with them as they wish, before saying goodbye. During what is an incredibly heart breaking and traumatic time, Cuddle Cots provide support to families in those crucial days after the loss of their baby.

For the whole month of September, and in honour of Olive’s first birthday, we hope to raise at least $6500 – enough to donate a Cuddle Cot to a hospital in need. Please join us in donating what you can.

Thank you for listening to our story - we appreciate that it is distressing and may be triggering for some. We hope that you treat yourself with tenderness and compassion at this time, and encourage you to seek support as you need it. 

Much love,

Megan and Dane.