On September 22, 2025, our lives changed forever when we welcomed our beautiful daughter, Swayzie Lee Walden, into this world.

Swayzie was born sleeping at 35 weeks and 5 days. We had spent months imagining the moment we would finally meet our little girl—the moment we would hear her cry, hold her in our arms, and bring her home. Instead, we were faced with a heartbreak no parent should ever have to know.

Although we only had the opportunity to hold Swayzie in our arms for a short time, she changed us forever. She is our daughter, our first baby girl, and will always be a part of our family. Her name, her story, and the love we have for her will never disappear.

Swayzie was so deeply loved before we ever got to meet her. She was loved by her mom and dad, her brothers, her family, and so many people who were eagerly waiting for her arrival. She brought people together before she was even born, and her life continues to touch people every day.

As we approach what would have been Swayzie’s first birthday, we want to honor her by turning our love for her into something that can help protect other babies.

We are raising money for Count the Kicks, an organization dedicated to educating expectant parents about the importance of tracking their baby’s movement during the third trimester and knowing their baby’s normal movement pattern. Their mission is to empower parents to recognize changes in movement and speak up when something doesn’t feel right.

Our experience has taught us that you can never take for granted the precious movements of the baby growing inside you. Every kick, roll, stretch, and wiggle is a reminder of the little life you are carrying.

We know that there are many reasons a baby can be lost, and we will never know with certainty whether anything could have changed Swayzie’s outcome. But we believe deeply in giving other parents knowledge, tools, and a voice—and if sharing Swayzie’s story can help even one parent recognize a change in their baby’s movement and seek care, then her life can continue to make a difference.

Swayzie may not have gotten the chance to grow up, but we want her to grow a legacy.

Every donation to this fundraiser helps Count the Kicks continue providing education and resources to expectant parents and working to prevent stillbirths.

For Swayzie. For the babies who come after her. For the parents who deserve to bring their babies home. Count every kick. Know your baby’s normal. Speak up.

Thank you for remembering our daughter, saying her name, sharing her story, and helping us turn our greatest heartbreak into hope for other families.

-Christa and Chris Walden