Each month we donate a portion of our profits to a child with medical needs through the Legendairy Littles program. The month of May we have selected to focus on a unique set of Mono-Di (identical) twins named Ethan and Easton.
Being a Mono-Di twin means that Ethan and Easton shared one placenta but still had separate amniotic sacs. Because of the shared placenta, multiple complications can arise resulting in close monitoring throughout the pregnancy. At their 14-week scan, it was noticed that one twin, Easton, was measuring significantly smaller than the other, Ethan. Additionally, it was noticed that Easton looked to have a tumor near his tail bone. After discussing the risks and hearing the option of selective reduction, Easton and Ethan’s parents traveled 6 hours to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for a second opinion at 18-weeks. At this appointment it was discovered that Easton has Selective Intrauterine Growth Restriction and was not getting the nutrition he needed from the placenta. Additionally, he had an abnormal cord insertion, tethered spinal cord, a dilated ventricle in his brain, and was diagnosed with Dandy Walker Variant which is when a portion of the cerebellum vermis in his brain did not form properly. Thankfully, the tumor noticed by previous doctors was not a tumor but in fact his bone had not formed so that area was simply fatty tissue.
The family was given until 23 weeks 6 decide to decide if they would partially terminate the pregnancy. After evaluating all medical information, it was with their faith in God that the family decided to continue with the pregnancy. Doctors anticipated Easton and Ethan would arrive prior to 28 weeks gestation, but through faith and prayer the boys made it to exactly 32 weeks, and in December 2017 Easton (1 lb 13 oz) and Ethan (3 lb 8 oz) were born. Ethan was released from the NICU after one month and has had to return to the hospital a few times because of his reflux which causes bradycardia and laryngospasms. He has a narrowing in his colon which impacts his digestive issues and reflux. Since being home he has spent a significant amount of time traveling to see his specialists. Easton remains in the NICU yet. The family visits him three times a week. Easton has had a rough time in the NICU with having to be resuscitated over 9 times, he developed pneumonia, had a staph infection, and has received diagnoses of hypothyroidism and a carnitine deficiency. Easton has a micro colon which also causes digestive complications. Easton has had a MRI recently and it was confirmed that a miracle has happened, and he no longer has Dandy Walker Variant, a condition that does not go away on its own.
The NICU where Easton is at and specialists that Ethan visits are over an hour away from the family. They are so thankful for their faith and that both boys are with them today. The funds received from the Legendairy Littles program will help cover some of the travel expenses for both boys.
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