You never know how much your heart can take when you lose a loved one, and for Abby Miller, that feeling is all too raw this Red Nose Day.
In February this year, Abby and her husband Matt welcomed their first son, Mackenzie Luke Miller, into the world… only to have to say goodbye two days later.
“He was born with a birth defect called CPAM (congenital pulmonary airway malformation), which affected his lung development, so we knew he was going to have a tough time, but we didn’t think it was fatal,” said Abby.
“He was born prematurely and was taken straight into the NICU where he was put on a ventilator and give n lots of lifesaving support from the amazing team of nurses, but unfortunately his lung underdevelopment was too much for his small little body to overcome and sadly we had to say goodbye to him.”
Born in regional NSW, Abby is using her story to help the charity that has brought light to one of the darkest times of her life.
“It is about raising awareness and funds for the Red Nose Day charity, which do a very broad range of supports such as help for bereaved parents and immediate family who have suffered the loss of a baby or child, anything from miscarriage to neonatal death,” said Abby.
“They also fun a lot of research into SIDS and miscarriages, which it vital.”
“It is an amazing charity that helps lots of parents, just like us.”
Funds raised on Red Nose Day over the last 30 years have resulted in an incredible 80 per cent reduction in sudden infant deaths, saving 11,618 babies, and counting.
However, the reality in Australia is we lose more than 3,000 babies who die suddenly or unexpectedly each year- that is 9 little lives taken every day, and 9 families left to grieve.
“You wouldn’t wish this on anyone, but at least you know there is support available,” said Abby.
“What I have learnt it that parents that have been through this, you are not alone.”
“There are a lot of people who have experienced loss, anything from early to late to miscarriage, to stillbirth, to neo natal loss to SIDS, and there is a range if different things that can go wrong at all different gestations.”
“Chances are, there is someone in your life who has been through a terrible trauma like this so tomorrow is all about digging dip and donating to this fantastic cause so that, hopefully you yourself never need it, but someone you might know one day will.”
How can you get involved?
There are many businesses across the New England region getting involved, including Tamworth Building Supplies.
This year, the team will show their support with red noses and baked goods, raising funds and awareness for an important cause.
“We chose Red Nose Day because a lot of us who work here have children it is close to a lot of our hearts,” said Emma White, Tamworth Building Supplies Marketing Manager.
“Being a family-owned company, we like to support little children and grieving families that go through the heartbreaking event, if it ever does happen to them.”
“So, we are getting together to host a morning tea and raise some funds.”
Everyone is invited to come day, the morning tea kicks off at 8:30am at Tamworth Building Supplies at 39-43 Dampier Street, Tamworth.
“We would love to see everyone to get on board and support Red Nose Day,” said Emma.
Can get there? There are a range of ways do donate, including through their website; Red Nose Day: Get silly for a serious cause!
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