YouAreMySunshine

Our story is one of hope, faith, and strength! On November 14th, 2017 our miracle Kaylin May was born at 22 weeks and 6 days, weighing a mighty 12.8oz. The day before she was born, doctors gave her a less than 3% chance of surviving, and to expect major disabilities. Some of the doctors didn't even consider her viable since she was not 23 weeks. Kaylin defied the odds that were stacked against her and showed everyone that 22 weekers can survive, furthermore without debilitating disabilities. Kaylin's story is extra special because she was a twin, Robert Michael.  Unfortunately, at 16 weeks gestation we lost her brother to a rare genetic abnormality. Having a triploidy fetus, with a partial molar placenta, along with a viable twin has a less than 1% chance of occurring. This shows how special she really is! 

Kaylin spent 130 days in the NICU, and came home 10 days after her original due date. Our NICU journey certainly had its ups and downs, but thankfully she had what we like to call a "gentle journey" overall. Kaylin was lucky to not have brain bleeds, infections, gastrointestinal issues or skin issues, which are all common with preemies. Despite her extreme prematurity and poor lung development, she surprisingly only required one round of steroids to be extubated after 45 days. Excitingly, her oxygen was completely removed before discharge. She received many life saving treatments during her NICU journey, including 12 blood transfusions in her first month of life. She also received Avastin injections to save her vision from retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and thankfully her vision is not significantly impaired from the condition. Lastly, Kaylin had a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and article special defect (ASD). The PDA closed with only one round of Tylenol, and we found out when she was two years old that the ASD miraculously closed on its own without any residual side effects. That is a miracle in itself! 

Kaylin is now 8  years old and doing well overall. She is incredibly smart and silly, and her personality shines bright. She is still tiny, and oh so mighty 💜

Every baby deserves the best possible start. Unfortunately, millions of babies do not get that chance. Kaylin was one of those million. Being born around the same size as a bottle of water, Kaylin proved that miracles do happen despite the odds against her survival. We never lost hope, and we leaned on the support of our village to get us through those trying times. The March of Dimes was part of our village and played a pivotal role in our NICU journey. From their groundbreaking research that helped save Kaylin's life, to providing constant support to Brandon and I. We will be forever grateful for everything they did for us and for the millions of other babies that are born without the best possible start. We want our story to provide hope for families who are going through similar situations, and raise awareness that 22 week babies can survive against all odds. Believe and never lose hope! 

In 2018, we were also honored to be the Signature Chef's Event Ambassador Family. We will continue to support the March of Dimes, and the March for Babies walk is one way we can give back. 

I joined the 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, I’m committed to raising funds so that every family gets the best possible start. But I need your help.

Please visit my fundraising page to 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.