Christmas cards for Brooks

The holidays are often described as the most wonderful time of the year, but for families like Olivia and Dante Venema, the season can also serve as a reminder of what is missing. Earlier this year, the Venemas’ lives were turned upside down after the birth — and death — of their baby boy, Brooks.

Brooks lived with epidermolysis bullosa, a rare skin condition commonly referred to as “butterfly skin.” Olivia and Dante fought alongside Brooks from the moment he was born on Feb. 22, 2025 and continue to carry on his legacy after his passing on July 5, 2025. 

As part of the effort to do so, this holiday season, the family is asking community members and friends to send Christmas cards in remembrance of Brooks.

Olivia said she got the idea from a friend who also had a child with EB.

“She told me to steal it!” Olivia said. “The holidays can be hard, and it just gives you a little bit of joy.”

When Olivia brought the idea to her husband, Dante said he was on board.

“We want Brooks’ memory to live on,” Olivia explained. “He touched so many lives, including ours.”

The premise is simple: Send cards to the couple to bring them some holiday cheer. They have received cards from friends and their children and are grateful for anything they receive. The goal is to create something that keeps Brooks from being forgotten.

“It is important because he is still our son,” Dante said. “He is still a part of our family.”

Olivia said that while healing takes time, it helps to know people still think of him.

Dante explained how memorabilia helps the family feel closer to Brooks.

“The holidays are tough,” he explained. “This helps keep his memory alive.”

Dante noted that while many people never had the opportunity to meet Brooks, sending cards provides a way to connect with him now.

“It is a chance to see the people who would have been a part of his life if he was still here,” he said.

Olivia and Dante said they are grateful for how this experience and the holiday season have brought their families together in support of them and Brooks. While this chapter of their lives is difficult, they say there are still moments of light.

Through the Christmas cards, they hope to gain insight into what Brooks means to others. The couple has received numerous messages and sentiments about Brooks and their family and said they are surprised by how many lives he touched.

“I feel like this is something that will help us navigate life without him,” Dante said.

Before the Christmas card request, Olivia and Dante designed and sold butterfly-themed T-shirts in honor of Brooks and other children with EB, and a portion of the profits was donated to EB research. Contributing to EB awareness has become an important part of Olivia’s healing process, and she hopes to eventually establish a nonprofit to support families of children with EB.

She said that medical supplies, such as bandages, are necessary for children with EB. Because a child with EB requires daily care, families quickly go through supplies, which can be costly. Insurance often does not cover these expenses, and Olivia hopes to help families keep their children comfortable and happy.

Despite her philanthropic efforts, Olivia remains a grieving mother and continues to ask for support from friends and family. The Venemas had hoped to spend their first Christmas with Brooks this year. Instead, they are finding ways to honor him and include his memory in the season.

Olivia and Dante were eager to share the magic of the holidays with their son.

“I wish he could experience Christmas,” Dante said. “I just remember the holidays as a kid, and it is hard that we are missing the opportunity to share that.”

The couple said they are grateful for the support they have received, including letters and photographs.

“I love that they are thinking of us,” Olivia said.

Olivia and Dante ask that anyone wishing to support them this holiday season with a card can send them to their home at 1093 Centennial Lane, Corvallis, MT 59828.

From children’s drawings to photos of family and friends, each card and message helps bring comfort to the Venema family during the holidays.