Amy and Andrew Campisi had four hours with their firstborn son, Carter. Now, the Richardson parents are working to give other families experiencing the death of a baby something they know can never feel like enough — time.
The Campisis started Carter’s Classic, an annual golf tournament that raises money to purchase Caring Cradles for hospitals. The cooling bassinets allow families to spend more time with their babies after a death.
“Because the one thing that faces families in this tragedy is time and for us to be able to give them a little more time, that’s super meaningful,” said Andrew.
Carter James Campisi would have turned four this summer.
When Amy Campisi was 30 weeks pregnant with him, she and her husband received the news no expectant parent wants to hear.
“They explained that he didn’t have a heartbeat anymore, and obviously you’re in disbelief at that moment. I had them check like 5 times I was like, are you sure he’s gone,” said Amy.
Carter was born at 10 the next morning.
“I remember just looking at him, saying he was so cute and that I wished he could stay,” Amy said.
The Campisis had four hours with Carter and 41 photos of him.
“And that’s all we have, and if we had more time maybe we’d have a bit more,” said Amy.
Those precious hours became part of the inspiration behind Carter’s Classic.
“It’s kind of why we do what we do, giving families the time to spend with their kids,” Andrew said.
Photos throughout the Campisis’ Richardson home preserve memories of Carter, including maternity photos taken just one day before the couple learned he had died.
“We did these photos the day before we found out that Carter had passed, so I always look at these photos as such a blessing,” said Andrew.
Carter remains part of the family in other ways, too.
“Ah yeah, Carter goes everywhere with us; he’s part of our family,” said Andrew.
A bear in the family’s home holds Carter’s ashes.
And at the Carter’s Classic golf tournament, dragonflies serve as another reminder of the little boy whose memory inspired the event.
“He’s right there next to Andrew cheering him on and telling him that he’s going to do a good job and that he’s proud of him,” said Amy.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication.
