At seven weeks of my pregnancy we found out that we were
being blessed with twins. Soon after we were told that my twins had a rare syndrome called Twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). TTTS is a random abnormality of a mono-chorionic placenta that causes one identical twin to receive less than normal amounts of blood supply during pregnancy while the other receives too much. The babies share blood vessels in their placenta that cause an imbalance of blood flow and nutrients between them. There are degrees to the severity of the syndrome, but it is always life-threatening due to the fact that it can worsen at anytime during pregnancy.

We contacted CHOP and through the testing of the twins found they did have the syndrome and the donor baby was in danger so I was put on strict bed rest. We traveled to CHOP on a weekly basis. At week 25 I was hospitalized at Morristown Memorial for treatment to develop the twins’ lungs knowing that they were going to be taken early due to their condition.

My 28th week the doctors told us that the girls couldn’t wait any longer that they had a better chance out of the womb. That night they took my girls via c-section. Kaitlynn weighed 1 lb and 13 oz and Karlee weighed 2 lbs 6 oz. I got to share a brief moment with each of them and kiss them on the head before they were rushed to the NICU for emergency care.

Both were resuscitated more than five times during her first half hour of life. The chance of them making it through thenight was very slim. We were unable to bond with them let alone touch them. Each day that went by they got stronger. Katie’s and Karlee’s home was NICU for next 135 days. During this time the girls fought for their lives. Both girls were diagnosed with chronic lung disease, respiratory distress syndrome, feeding difficulties along with others. Katie had a grade 4 bleeding on the brain while Karlee had a grade 2. Both also under went surgery to repair inguinal hernia.

When the girls were five months home they came home to their new home and loving family. Over the last three years they have overcome more than their doctors ever thought they could. Now the girls are enrolled at Oxford Central School with their older brother Tanner whom is communicable impaired in an inclusive preschool for the disabled. They have been making much process with this program.

Upon our last visit to the cardiologist, we were notified that Katie’s heart condition needs to be fixed within the next two years. Our only option is open heart surgery. She also has narrowing of one of her valves due to the hole not letting the blood to flow properly.

As a family we have rode this rollercoaster ride daily with our two miracle children that were given to us by the grace of God. We feel truly blessed to have this time with them. We want to thank the Shannon Daley Memorial fund for giving a glimpse of hope for the road that we continue travel.

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