A poster on the Cruise Boards lost her Daughter and Granddaughter in a tragic fire. Her other Granddaughter, 3 month old Sophie, is clinging to life, and not doing very well.
The purple ribbons are a show of support for Sophie. The baby needs as many prayers as she can get, and the family, including the husband and father of those killed, and the baby, need as much emotional support as they can get.
I am not very good with links, but you can find Sophie's story on the Cruise Planning board.