MARCH FOR BABIES: A MOTHER OF A MOVEMENT™
West Michigan - Grand Rapids
https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=YOUR_API_KEY
&q=Fairmont+Empress,Victoria+BC
&attribution_source=Google+Maps+Embed+API
&attribution_web_url=http://www.fairmont.com/empress-victoria/
&attribution_ios_deep_link_id=comgooglemaps://?daddr=Fairmont+Empress,+Victoria,+BC
Millenium Park
1415 Maynard Ave SW , Grand Rapids, MI 49316
Date: Saturday, May 04, 2019 10:00 AM
1415 Maynard Ave SW , Grand Rapids, MI 49316
Date: Saturday, May 04, 2019 10:00 AM
Our ambassador
August and Llewyn
August and Llewyn
In 2018 Katrena and Rob were happy to be growing their family, and even more excited to find out they were expecting twins! Katrena’s pregnancy was uneventful until, at 23 weeks, she was admitted to the hospital after suffering preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM.) The medical staff explained that this not only put her at risk for infection that could cause significant harm, but babies born this prematurely may have many serious problems. Katrena and Rob consulted friends, family, and countless physicians and chose to maintain the pregnancy for as long as possible to give the twins the best shot. Katrena started on antibiotics and was placed on bed rest in the hospital to be monitored very closely.
Days turned into weeks, and they were able to maintain the pregnancy as hoped. During those weeks in the hospital Katrena found some comfort in the wall of success stories posted in the hallway, and just maybe her family would be amongst them.
The morning of September 9th contractions began, and Katrena and Rob felt at peace knowing they did everything possible to help their baby boys grow and develop. Born via C-section at 31 weeks and 3 days August weighed 4 pounds, 9 ounces and Llewyn 3 pounds, .05 ounces. Llewyn was intubated immediately and given surfactant to help his tiny lungs. Both boys were whisked off to the NICU joined by Rob, while Katrena went to recovery. After a few hours, she was able to join her husband and babies.
Despite how difficult the days on bedrest were, the NICU days would be harder. Both boys faced a tough battle feeding and breathing and Llewyn was also diagnosed with a heart defect and pulmonary hypertension. After 45 days August was thriving and able to come home, Katrena and Rob were relieved to have one baby at home – but it made leaving Llewyn in the NICU that more difficult. Finally after 60 days, Lew was able to come home on oxygen and a feeding tube.
Now at 6 months old the twins are healthy and doing remarkably well and Llewyn’s current cardiology and pulmonary reports are outstanding. Katrena and Rob can’t begin to express their appreciation to everyone who made such a difference in the medical outcomes of their boys and who supported them through this challenging chapter in their lives.
NATIONAL PARTNERS
Thank you to our local sponsors