Aine Jean Harbach

On September 25, 2025, 510 grams of red-haired, bright blue-eyed might was born. Her parents, Sarah Kons and Peter Harbach, named her Aine Jean. Over seven months and fifteen days, Aine earned a reputation in the NICU for being sassy and stubborn but also sweet and beautiful. Sarah believes that her expressive eyebrows were uniquely suited to counter dad-jokes, and Peter contends that she was the GOAT finger-squeezer. Aine loved music, stories, people-watching, snuggles, and petting her blue horse.

An overachiever from birth, Aine consistently met or exceeded developmental milestones thanks to her mother’s dedication to stimulating her mind and curiosity. Willing to sink to bribery, her parents promised her fractions of a pony each time she needed to face a challenging procedure or scary health event. Through incredible perseverance, Aine earned four ponies.

Aine passed away on Sunday, May 10th while Mom cradled her and Dad promised her that she had made him a better person. Despite living her whole life in the NICU with beeping machines, tubes, and needles, Aine learned to smile. Her parents hope her strength and attitude are an inspiration to others: She always tried her very best.

Peter and Sarah are grateful to everyone at Children’s Hospital who provided comfort and care to Aine throughout her life. Please consider donating in Aine’s name to the organizations that supported her journey: Children’s Wisconsin, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin, and March of Dimes: NICU Family Support.