On May 30th, 2025, at 35 weeks, our precious baby boy, Avi Sahny-Girn—lovingly known to us as Baby Dot—was born sleeping. What should have been the most joyful moment of our lives, so close to his due date, became the most devastating.

There are still days when we can’t believe it, let alone begin to understand it. That’s one of the hardest parts of this grief—the not knowing why.

We were filled with excitement (and plenty of nerves) about becoming parents. We already knew just how loved Avi would be—showered with affection by us, his first-time grandparents, devoted uncles, and the many friends and family who were eagerly awaiting his arrival.

Instead, we found ourselves planning a funeral for our son—something no parent should ever have to do. It’s soul-crushing.

Please know that if I don’t bring this up in person, or if I miss your call, it’s because talking about it still feels too overwhelming. Writing is just a gentler way for me to express what’s in my heart right now.

Since losing Avi, we’ve been held by the compassion of some truly remarkable people. The incredible team at Warwick Hospital’s Maternity Assessment Unit, and our wonderful community midwife Keeley, supported us with such tenderness. We’re also deeply grateful to our friends, colleagues, and loved ones who have checked in, held space for our sorrow, and reminded us that we’re not alone.

Avi knew he was deeply loved. One of the hospital midwives, Georgina, even came in on her day off to help us bathe him—an act of kindness we will never forget.

The six days we spent with Avi in the bereavement suite were sacred. We held him, kissed him, talked to him, took his tiny footprints, and created the only memories we will ever have with our son. We’re forever grateful to Keeley, who gently encouraged us to take every opportunity to make memories. We’re so thankful we did.

So much of that precious time was made possible through the support of extraordinary charities:

• Abigail’s Footsteps, who provided the cold cot that allowed Avi to rest beside us when he wasn’t being held. Without this cot we would have never been able to spend time with Avi beyond a few hours.

• The Lily Mae Foundation, who gifted us a memory box filled with thoughtful keepsakes, including a beautiful book about a parent’s eternal love for a child who has passed.

• Remember My Baby, who gave us professional photographs—priceless images of us as a family that we will treasure forever.

• The Teddy Rose Foundation, who gifted us a cuddle blanket. One half stayed with Avi, and the other came home with us to hold and cherish.

These charities, along with the incredible team at Warwick Hospital, made an immeasurable difference during our time with Avi. Now, we want to give something back.

We’re raising money to support the same wonderful charities that supported us. Whether it goes toward providing more cold cots or memory boxes, we hope other families facing the unimaginable will be wrapped in the same care and compassion we received.

Our summer unfolded in a way we could never have imagined. 1 in 200 babies are born sleeping—a heartbreaking statistic. And sadly, not every family gets an answer as to why.

Any amount you’re able to contribute would mean the world to us. All funds raised will be shared between the charities that helped us through our darkest hours.

Thank you for reading this—and for standing with us in honour of our beautiful Avi.