‘Their baby mattered’: Project Robby gives crocheted items to grieving families

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Motherhood starts in an instant.

“The minute you see that positive pregnancy test, you start thinking about who they’re going to be,” explained Amanda Smith.

In February 2012, Smith went into labor at 23 weeks.

“He was so tiny,” she said.

Her son, Robby, entered the world prematurely.

“(The nurse) looked everywhere for a hat that might be small enough to fit his tiny head,” she recalled. “She found a hat, and it was entirely too big. But it was so special because he wore it.”

Robby’s life ended within two hours. The hat then became a long-lasting piece of comfort.

“I realized that’s what I wanted to do. I wanted to be able to give back in a way and make it to where other people would have something appropriately sized for their baby at the hospital,” she said.

Smith created “Project Robby.” The nonprofit makes crocheted blankets, hats, and angel wings for grieving families.

“Our amazing volunteers make these items knowing that they aren’t for living babies,” she said.

Each loop is loaded with love.

“I think about the families that this blanket might go to and I pray for the family,” said Sherry Smith, volunteer and board member with Project Robby. “It makes me sad, but it also brings comfort knowing that this could help someone, even just a moment of comfort.”

A heartfelt craft that’s bringing healing.

“They aren’t alone, that their baby mattered, that their grief matters, and that there are people out there that truly care about them,” Smith said.

While Robby’s life was cut short, his legacy lives on. Project Robby has sent out nearly 15,000 sets nationwide in about 10 years.

You can request a keepsake set by clicking here.