For Milo Foundation

When Sarah and Kevin went in for what they thought would be a routine 20-week ultrasound, their world changed. 

On February 27, 2020, they learned their son Milo had a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), a rare condition that affects about 1 in 2,500 babies. CDH occurs when a baby’s diaphragm does not fully form in utero, allowing abdominal organs to move into the chest cavity and prevent the lungs from developing properly. 

Prior to that day, they had never heard of CDH. 

“We were shocked, confused, scared and uninformed,” they shared. “But as we learned more and more and started connecting with doctors and specialists, we buckled in for a journey we knew would be incredibly unique and a roller coaster of emotions.” 

A Journey at Lurie Children's

Based on the severity of Milo’s diagnosis, he was delivered and cared for at Lurie Children’s under a specialized maternal fetal medicine and neonatal team.

From the moment they placed their trust in his care team, Sarah and Kevin knew they were in the right place.

“We could never truly express how much appreciation we have for Milo’s Lurie Children’s team,” they said. “We are especially grateful for the ferocity with which we were kept aware of every development along the way and taught about all the complexities of what we were experiencing — no matter how big or small the moment.” 

Milo Bradner was born on July 10, 2020, and immediately transferred for specialized care. That evening, he was placed on ECMO, a life-support system that allows the heart and lungs to rest. Two days later, surgeons performed a complex hernia repair. Milo was missing nearly 90% of his diaphragm, and his team reconstructed it using his own muscle tissue.

Over the next 18 days, Milo showed extraordinary strength. He underwent multiple procedures, including coming on and off ECMO. He began small feedings of breast milk. He opened his eyes. He squeezed his parents’ fingers. 

“He would raise his arms, lift his legs, and seem to react to hearing us read to him,” Sarah and Kevin recalled. “In the end, Milo gave it everything he had and fought like an absolute warrior.” 

On July 27, 2020, after a promising trial off ECMO and a successful surgery, Milo suffered a pulmonary hemorrhage and passed away. He was just 18 days old. 

“All it took was 18 days for Milo to redefine strength and change our lives forever.” 

Moments They’ll Always Hold Close 

Even in the most difficult days, there were moments of profound connection and compassion.

Before his first surgery, Milo was baptized at his bedside by the hospital chaplain. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, extended family members could not be present, but a small circle gathered in his room. The chaplain sang a song the family still sings today when they want to feel close to Milo. 

They also formed a lasting bond with one of Milo’s primary NICU nurses, who agreed to serve as a godparent during his baptism. That relationship has continued well beyond the hospital walls — attending Milo’s birthday celebrations, fundraisers and milestones. 

“No matter who was working in Milo’s room, we always knew he was in the best hands,” they shared. “But there was a different sense of comfort when that person was Laura. She became family to us.” 

Turning Grief Into Purpose: The For Milo Memorial Fund

Early in Milo’s time in the NICU, Sarah and Kevin felt called to do something meaningful with what they were learning from their son. They began by creating giraffe pins with Milo’s initials — MBK — to thank his care team. After his passing, they shared the pins more broadly, and an outpouring of support followed. 

That support grew into the For Milo Foundation. 

In 2026, in partnership with Lurie Children’s, the family established the For Milo Memorial Fund to provide financial assistance to families facing the unthinkable — the loss of a child. The fund helps ease the burden of funeral and end-of-life expenses so families can focus on grieving and honoring their child.
 
“After experiencing first-hand the emotional and financial strain of after-life logistics with Milo, we quickly realized the need to support families who are also navigating the unimaginable,” they said. “Anything we can do to eliminate a financial and mental burden from those critical days following a loss is a step toward allowing families to focus their time and energy on their grieving process.” 

The family is committed to funding the For Milo Memorial Fund through 2028 and beyond, ensuring sustained support for families during their darkest days. 

“No family should be faced with a financial challenge from essential costs of end-of-life care while grieving the loss of a child.” 

Through community events — from custom merchandise and birthday tie-dye fundraisers to trivia nights — the For Milo community continues to grow. 

Their next Trivia Night will take place April 19 at Midwest Coast Brewing Company in Chicago, bringing supporters together for an evening of connection, remembrance and impact. Proceeds support the For Milo Memorial Fund and families navigating unimaginable loss. 

You can learn more about Milo’s story, upcoming events and ways to support the foundation’s mission at formilofoundation.org.