WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and SportsAlivia's Gift

MADISON (WKOW)-- The birth of a baby is filled with joy and promise of a long happy life.

But one young couple's dreams were crushed after their baby girl came into the world.

Liz and Nathan Quinn are taking their grief and turning it into help for others.

They are both "Someone You Should Know."

These pictures capture the innocence of a newborn baby girl.

Alivia Agnes Quinn, born July 23rd, 2008.

7 pounds, 13 ounces, 20 inches long.

"Here we have our beautiful daughter and she was gorgeous, but the same time we know she's dying," said Liz.

Alivia lived just 34 hours.

She died on July 24th at 6pm from some kind of infection she got during delivery.

"When you're told your child's not going to make it, you lose your hopes and dreams for that child and it takes a while to get those hopes and dreams for yourself back," said Liz.

Nearly a year later, Alivia's parents, Liz and Nathan Quinn, cherish the pictures of their little girl.

A local photographer donated her time and pictures to the Quinns, to preserve their precious moments with Alivia for ever.

"These are our very first pictures," said Liz.

Meriter's foundation also gives parents a memory box.

"And this is Alivia's lock of hair," said Liz.

Liz said it's so much more than just a box.

It represents the short life of their little girl

"There's days that it's better and then there's days where you can't help but think I should have a 10 month old, an 11 month old here," said Liz.

"Looking at the pictures now bring me joy more than sadness," said Liz.

Liz and Nathan, both 26 years old, were parents for one night in this room while they waited for Alivia to try to pull through.

They visited the room with me for the first time since that night.

"I'm okay," said Liz.

To help keep Alivia's memory alive, Liz and Nathan started a drive for clothing and money, to give back to Meriter, for all they did for them while at the hospital.

"It is so heartwarming to take an experience like this and try your hardest to turn into something positive takes a lot of fortitude, a lot of love and a lot of compassion," said Sara Babcock, Nurse with Meriter's Birthing Center.

And it's helped in the healing process.

"To be doing this gives us hope, gives us that power that we're able to give back," said Liz.

Liz and Nathan are collecting items and money until what would have been Alivia's one year birthday, July 23rd.

For information on how you can help keep Alivia's memory alive by supporting Liz and Nathan's mission, visit: http://aliviasangelgift.blogspot.com/