Our little boy Edmund Joseph Quinn, who we lovingly call "Teddy", was born unexpectedly at 26 weeks gestation. 

Weighing a tiny 820 grams at birth, little Ted survived the next 40 days in NICU where neonatal specialists and their teams provided world class care. 

From birth, only 1 of Ted’s tiny lungs inflated to allow oxygen exchange. Ted’s left lung unfortunately suffered a congenital defect limiting the amount of oxygen exchange, which eventually sealed his fate. 

The NICU at John Hunter Hospital left no stone unturned to assist with Teddy’s survival. The care our whole family received from NICU was outstanding. It was the hardest period in our lives and making the decision to turn off Ted’s ventilator was absolutely devastating and life altering for us and our families. We never thought this would happen to us, or our beautiful first born child. 

We were very lucky to live only a 10 minute drive away from John Hunter Hospital. Many people we met in NICU lived far away, and needed to leave other children and their partners at home,  navigating the NICU journey alone with their babe. The NICU journey is difficult to describe in words… so grateful it exists, but you also wish no-one ever has to experience it.  We owe so much to all the team members who lovingly supported us through Ted’s journey, and still do to this day. 

Each year, we raise funds in Teddy’s name on his heavenly birthday. So far, over $20,000 has been raised in Teddy’s memory and we wish to continue this tradition for premature and sick babies, and their families going through the NICU journey. 

As a Mum who has experienced loss, my biggest fear is that he will be forgotten. 

Thank you to everyone who has donated and for helping keep Teddy’s memory alive. 

Thank you for asking us about Ted. 

Thank you for saying Teddy’s name. 

Thank you for recognising Ted’s short but very significant life. 

With love & gratitude always, 

The Quinn's