The Lambie Project
The Lambie Project was created in loving memory of Jack, who was born with Trisomy 18 and lived 105 deeply meaningful days. Inspired by the comfort Jack’s family found in a weighted stuffed lamb made to match his size, the project now provides personalized Lambies to other families grieving the loss of a baby. Offered at no cost through the Family Guidance and Bereavement Program at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, each Lambie serves as a tangible source of comfort and remembrance. Your donation will directly support this heartfelt effort to honor Jack’s legacy and bring healing to others in their time of loss.
Our Story
Our son Jack was born on August 4, 2017, and was diagnosed with Trisomy 18 just two days later. We were told he likely wouldn’t survive long, but Jack fought for 105 incredible days. Thanks to the compassionate care at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, we were given time as a family, moments I will treasure forever. Jack spent two weeks in the NICU before we brought him home to Monterey, where he was surrounded by love. Our care team ensured we had the resources we needed, including in-home nursing support. They gave us the chance to simply be a family of four—even if just for a short while.
When Jack passed away on November 16, 2017, our world was shattered. But even in our deepest grief, we were held by the Family Guidance and Bereavement Program at Packard Children’s. The emotional and practical support they provided was a lifeline. Out of that space of pain, something unexpected began to grow. I created a stuffed lamb, made to match Jack’s weight and length. Holding that lamb filled a part of the emptiness I felt in my arms. It brought comfort to me, to my husband Sean, and to our son Ari. Ari named him Lambie, and soon Lambie became a cherished member of our family—someone we could hold, take to events, include in pictures, and talk about freely.
Around what would have been Jack’s first birthday, we started The Lambie Project with the help of the Family Guidance and Bereavement team. We wanted other families, walking this same heartbreaking road, to feel the comfort we did. Each Lambie is handmade and personalized to reflect a baby’s weight—something tangible to hold onto when your arms feel unbearably empty. Thanks to generous donations, these Lambies are offered to bereaved families through the hospital’s bereavement program completely free of charge.
In October 2019, we welcomed our rainbow baby, Olive. She and Ari talk about Jack often and carry Lambie around with pride, sharing with others what he means to our family. Jack is forever part of our story, and he’s included in every family photo. I’ve since become a Certified Grief Educator, focusing on pregnancy and infant loss, and now lead a support group for military families in Yokosuka, Japan. My grief has transformed into purpose, and now passion. I walk beside others in their loss, just as others once walked beside me.
If you choose to donate, your gift goes directly to The Lambie Project under the Family Guidance and Bereavement Program. You’ll be helping us honor Jack by offering comfort to other families when they need it most. Thank you for being part of his legacy.
—Jessica Caulfield
Activity
Donations via Check
If you prefer to make a donation via check, please follow these instructions:
Please mail checks to:
Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health
Attn: Gift Processing
400 Hamilton Avenue, Suite 340
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Please write “The Lambie Project” in the notes section on the check or enclosed note.
Tax ID: 77-0440090
For our international supporters: Please contact the Gift Administration team at Gift.Processing@LPFCH.org or by phone at 1-650-461-9980. We would be happy to assist you in making a gift.
If you would like to discuss a donor advised fund or stock gift: Please email Gift.Processing@LPFCH.org or call 1-650-461-9980.