Theresa Sanci

In July 2023, Anthony and I found out I was pregnant. In August, we found out I was pregnant with twins. Although shocked at the time, we had no idea this would be the start of the scariest, most devastating journey for us and our twin boys.

Since this was a twin pregnancy I was considered high risk and had a ton of scans scheduled. We went to my 20 week anatomy scan in November and was told my cervix was a little short. I felt perfectly fine, but they had me go back every week for the next 3 weeks for cervical checks. Well, my cervix kept getting shorter. The doctors told us this was likely happening because I was pregnant with twins and it would not have happened if I was pregnant with a singleton.

At my last cervical check we were told there was no more cervix and I was likely starting to dilate. I was going into pre term labor. She told me that we had 2 choices, I could get a cerclage placed where they stitch your cervix to prevent it from opening or I could go home and do nothing, but would likely go into labor within the next week. Knowing what I know now, this information was not necessarily true. Anthony and I decided on the cerclage. We felt like if that was our only chance at saving our boys that was what we needed to do. I was scheduled for surgery that same day. They told us it was a quick and easy procedure and I would be able to go home later that day. During the surgery they ended up breaking Baby A’s amniotic sac and had to stop the surgery. I was admitted into the hospital that day and would stay there until the boys were born. 

The doctors had no idea how this was going to pan out since “every person and every pregnancy is different.” I was in the hospital for the next 23 days until I went into preterm labor at 25 weeks, 5 days. Our boys were born via emergency c-section. I did not get to see them at all, they were rushed straight to the NICU and intubated. 

We named Baby A Rocco Peter Sanci. Rocco was born at 4:13pm on December 16, 2023 weighing 2 lbs. We named Baby B Michael Nunzio Sanci. Michael was born at 4:14pm on December 16, 2023 weighing 2 lbs, 3.8 oz. I didn’t get to meet my boys until the next day, only after begging to be able to go to the NICU. They were so small and on so many machines that were keeping them alive. Rocco passed away in our arms 5 days later on December 21, 2023 and Michael spent 122 days in the NICU before coming home. 

I thought I knew what heartbreak was until we had to make arrangements for our son to get cremated while our other son was fighting for his life in the hospital. All because my body failed them and no one could tell me why or how or even try to prevent it. We were getting a lot of, “we don’t know” and “there isn’t enough research, especially when it comes to twin pregnancies.” My response was always, what do you mean there isn’t enough research? It’s 2023! 

Today, Michael is 2 years old and truly thriving. He has met all his milestones thus far, he is so smart, and the happiest boy in the world. We miss big brother everyday, but there isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t talk to him and think about him. 

We joined this movement to create positive change for moms and babies everywhere, especially those most at risk. 

With preterm birth and maternal death rates continuing to rise, we are committed to raising funds so that every family gets the best possible start, but we need your help. 

Please visit our fundraising page to join our team and/or make a donation. Together we’ll be part of a movement to make America a more equitable place and ensure that every mom and baby is healthy.