Our beautiful little boy, Edmund Joseph Quinn, our “Teddy”, arrived far too soon at just 26 weeks. He weighed only 820 grams, so small and yet so incredibly loved from the very first moment.

Teddy spent 40 precious days in NICU, surrounded by extraordinary neonatal specialists who cared for him with such skill, compassion, and dedication. From birth, only one of his tiny lungs worked to sustain him. His left lung carried a congenital defect that, despite every effort, ultimately determined his journey.

The team at John Hunter Hospital fought tirelessly for Teddy. They truly left no stone unturned. We will forever be grateful not only for the care Teddy received, but for the way they held and supported our entire family through the most unimaginable time in our lives.

Those days were filled with hope, fear, and love all at once. Making the decision to turn off Teddy’s ventilator was the most heartbreaking and life-altering moment we have ever faced. It’s something no parent ever imagines, especially not for their firstborn child.

We were fortunate to live just 10 minutes from the hospital. We met so many families who travelled long distances, separated from their homes, partners, and children, carrying this journey largely on their own. The NICU experience is impossible to fully put into words; you are endlessly grateful it exists yet you wish no family would ever need it.

Every year, on Teddy’s heavenly birthday, we honour him by raising funds in his name. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of others, over $20,000 has been raised in his memory so far. We hope to continue this tradition, supporting premature and unwell babies and the families walking the NICU path.

As a mum who has lost her baby, my greatest fear is that he will be forgotten.

So thank you.

Thank you for donating.

Thank you for asking about Ted.

Thank you for saying his name.

Thank you for recognising his short, but deeply meaningful life.

With all our love and gratitude, always,

The Quinns 💛