Category: Pregnancy
October 7, 2025
Last updated on October 8, 2025
Acelleron recognizes Infant Loss Awareness Month this October. As part of this month, we want to uplift the Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Society, the world’s leading nonprofit focused on necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The NEC Society was launched in January 2014 by Jennifer Canvasser and is led by patient-families, clinicians, and researchers working to understand and prevent NEC so that babies and families never have to experience the devastation of NEC. Their mission: to build a world without NEC through research, advocacy, and education.
Below, we share Jennifer and her team’s words on their book, Forever Our Little One:
Forever Our Little One, a Storybook for Bereaved Families
Mother-daughter duo Jennifer Canvasser and Leslie Napolitano published Forever Our Little One, a storybook for bereaved families. Jennifer is the executive director of the Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Society, which she founded after her son Micah tragically died from complications of the disease. Leslie is an artist who helped care for her grandson Micah during his time in the neonatal and pediatric intensive care units. Micah loved to read with his family during his time here on Earth.
Jennifer reading Goodnight Moon to Micah
Jennifer wrote Forever Our Little One for families who hold a little one in their hearts, and tragically no longer in their arms. Forever Our Little One’s illustrations are created by Leslie and inspired by Micah’s smiles.
Listen to author, Jenn Canvasser, read Forever Our Little One.
Watch the KCRA News Interview featuring Forever Our Little One.
October is Infant Loss Awareness Month and a time to bring attention to the lifelong trauma and grief of child loss. Canvasser shares, “My son Micah died from NEC just before his first birthday, and the profound devastation of child loss is endless. Through my family’s support, I have found the peace and strength I need to carry Micah’s smile in my heart every moment of every day.”
Forever Our Little One is inspired by the family’s resolve to keep Micah’s smile in their lives and share Micah’s light with the world. The storybook features a bear family, and guides readers through joy, uncertainty, anguish, boundless love, and peace. The picture book is written for families navigating the tragic loss of their own little ones. Children can find comfort in Forever Our Little One after the loss of anyone they love.
Canvasser notes, “I have found few children’s books to read with the little ones in my arms, that reflect our family’s experience of losing Micah and working to keep his light in our lives. I wrote Forever Our Little One to help comfort bereaved families and remind them their little one is with them, always. I wish children didn’t need a book like this, but since they do, it is an honor and privilege to help provide some comfort and validation.”
Forever Our Little One is already inspiring bereaved families to share their little one’s story and create ways to feel connected with the little ones who they hold in their hearts. Forever Our Little One is available at NEC Society’s shop, and all proceeds benefit the NEC Society.
This guest blog was contributed by the NEC Society, the world’s leading nonprofit dedicated to building a world without necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) through research, education, and advocacy.