The Bumbalough Family

Olivia Grace and Chloe Faith are identical twin sisters that were brought into this world at just 26 weeks old. At 23 weeks, their mom went to the doctors knowing something wasn't right. She was sent to the hospital with extreme high blood pressure and learned at the time that Olivia was measuring almost a month behind her sister. She was diagnosed with IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction). It was also found out that Olivia's blood flow through her umbilical cord was showing reverse flow - meaning she wasn't getting the blood and nutrients she needed to grow. The doctors told their mom she would be staying in the hospital until the babies were delivered. As the weeks went by, Olivia and Chloe's parents continued to hear horrible news after horrible news. The doctors first said that chances were that Olivia would not make it through. Because of this, Chloe could have been severely impacted with brain damage as these sisters shared the same placenta. They relied on each other for survival and staying healthy. There were many ups and downs during this time, most of which was continuously hearing that Olivia would not make it. However despite all odds, Olivia was able to make it 3 more weeks and grow a little while her mom was in the hospital. It was just enough growth for the NICU to intervene if need be. Throughout the time in the hospital, the girls were being closely monitored with non-stress tests, and biophysical profiles. The doctors were hoping to catch a regression in Olivia before she had the chance to pass away and also possibly affect her sister. During a biophysical profile on May 26, Olivia was not as active as she previously had been. The doctors decided it was best for the girls to be delivered, rather than taking a chance and waiting any longer. Chloe was born at 1lb 8oz, and her sister Olivia was born at 1lb 1oz. Both babies are truly miracles - they came out crying and breathing on their own. Since they've been born, they have each had blood transfusions, been on and off ventilators, gained weight and tolerated their feedings.

During this time, Olivia and Chloe's mom has been off of work and is unable to collect any short term disability as she is new to her job this year. She has been a special education teacher for the past 6 years and started at a new school this year. Their dad has been in and out of work visiting the hospital for appointments with their mom, and now spending time in the NICU. This has all been unpaid time off. Medical bills are already starting to come in, with more on the way with the possibilities of the girls needing specific treatment, therapies, and/or surgeries. Any donation you can make will help as this family continues through this journey of recovery and healing for Olivia and Chloe. If donations are not possible, the family is asking for continuous prayers for their girls. There have been many, many people praying for Olivia and Chloe during all of this which has brought them this far. Their parents truly believe it's because of the power of prayer and the love of God that has brought these two miracles safely into this world. They believe this journey is all a part of God's perfect plan for Olivia and Chloe.


Update 6/13/16: Olivia was diagnosed with a staph infection this past week but cultures are continuing to come back negative. The type of staph strand she has is one that can cause meningitis so they are currently working on getting fluid from her spine to test for this. Olivia has gone from high-flow oxygen to a CPAP as she has struggled with her breathing the past week. Her oxygen levels were on the high end, but have lessened since transitioning to the CPAP.

Chloe had a blood transfusion last night, and was put back on the ventilator. She was given a chest X-ray and it was discovered that she has BPD - a chronic lung issue which is significantly impacting her ability to breathe. There are multiple treatment options, however none of which can guarantee a full recovery. Her heart murmur is back so they will look to try treating this again to see if this helps, and they will also be looking to see whether an infection is impacting her. Lastly, she can be given steroids - however there are great risks with this, so this will be a last resort if it's decided she may need them.