Four weeks ago, David Shannon had to say goodbye to his baby daughter.
Elizabeth passed away on April 22 because of a knot in her umbilical cord. She was expected to be born a month later by cesarean. But after Shannon's wife couldn't feel her baby moving, she went to the hospital. When Shannon and their two daughters came to meet his wife there, the ultrasound showed no heartbeat.
They got to hold her for the first and last time.
"We had our moment of absolute despair and tragedy," said Shannon. "We got to hold Elizabeth for over 24 hours before it was time."
After such an immense loss, the family wants to give back. Shannon's five-year-old daughter Mila has donated her long, blonde hair to Wigs for Kids, a charity for children with cancer. So far, Mila's fundraising campaign total has surpassed $5,000. Shannon said it's been overwhelming. "The grief has been overwhelming, the loss had been overwhelming," he said.
"We have everything set up for this baby to come home and it's gone. That's been completely overwhelming and then you get this response . . . and that's been overwhelming because you're just like, 'whoa, there are some amazing people out there.'" Shannon and his wife, Caitlin Grange, both teachers, took to social media to get the word out about their story and cause. Through Facebook, Twitter and community groups, they've received a lot of support from friends, family, colleagues, and even from strangers.
"We've had strangers come to the house and deliver food," he said. "There isn't enough words to describe how grateful we are for all their compassion and support at this time."
Mila had her hair cut on May 21, the day Elizabeth was expected to arrive. "Her hair is that white, golden blonde, that precious golden colour," said Shannon. "So hopefully there will be some kid out there who will really enjoy this set of hair."
All the money donated will go towards Wigs for Kids, which is set up through B.C. Children's Hospital. Shannon said Mila might not completely understand everything about the money and the overall significance that her haircut means, but that in time she will.
"We're just incredibly proud of her handling Elizabeth's passing and what she's doing right now. I think that in the years to come she'll realize how big this was and how important it was to give something back."
For those interested in donating, search for Mila Shannon's name on the Wigs for Kids page on the B.C. Children's Hospital website.
