Mighty Little McKnights

Our team, Mighty Little McKnights, is part of the movement to create positive change for moms and babies everywhere, especially those most at risk. 

Our motivation comes from the story of our ‘Mighty Little McKnights’,  identical twins Charlotte and Grace who were born as micropreemies in November of 2024.  They were born nearly four months early at 24 weeks 3 days gestation.   Charlotte was born weighing 1 lb. 3.8 ounces and Grace weighed in at 1 lb 2 oz and only 11 inches long. 

Although tiny, they were mighty and fought to breathe and gain weight. Both girls were intubated for extended periods before coming off the ventilator at 29 1/2 weeks for Charlotte and 34 weeks for Grace. Both had umbilical lines to get them meds, nutrients etc., and after that PICC lines for weeks. Charlotte had kidney problems early on including the finding of kidney stones and a relatively benign PDA that resolved on its own, but otherwise gained like a champ and went home after 93 days in the NICU. Grace struggled more to gain weight and to come off of the ventilator with two failed extubations. She had fortified feedings and additional supplements to help her gain weight. Grace went home after 115 days but was rushed back the next day with breathing complications. She tested positive for rhinovirus and went back on oxygen, staying an additional 3 weeks in the NICU before coming home on oxygen support.  

Meanwhile Charlotte was doing well at home gaining and growing slowly but surely. Both girls were diagnosed with ROP (retinopathy of prematurity) and received injections in their eyes to stop the progression. With weekly and biweekly ophthalmology appointments, it was determined that the girls both needed laser surgery to stop the ROP. At 8 months old, both girls underwent anesthesia and laser surgery to their eyes which so far has been deemed a success.  They will likely need glasses soon to help with their nearsightedness.  Grace continues to see a pediatric dietitian to help her gain weight as she trails a bit behind sister. 

Both girls have also been a part of the Early Steps program and have weekly therapy sessions to improve gross and fine motor skills such as standing, sitting, crawling, and playing. In November Charlotte and Grace turned one year old and celebrated a whole year of miracles. We are so thankful for the NICU doctors, nurses, RTs and staff at Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge, LA for their exceptional care and lifelong friendships made and to organizations like March of Dimes for their continued support of moms and babies.

We would LOVE for you to be a part of our team and walk with us on Saturday, May 2nd at Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge.  Any donation goes towards a worthy cause of care and research for moms and babies just like ours!  We appreciate all who donate, join or just share our story!