Funeral Costs and Headstone

(William James Burkes)


In Memory of Baby William "“ Request for Assistance in Funeral Expenses


Amanda Lowe and her fiancé, J.D Burkes, learned seven months ago that they were expecting twins. Shortly after the start of the pregnancy, Amanda started experiencing complications with the pregnancy. It was determined that she suffered from a rare disorder known as "Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome". In the past few days, the baby doctors referred to as "B", named William James Burkes, has passed away. While the doctors attempted to perform a procedure called, "Intrauterine Fetal Blood Transfusion", they were unable to follow through with the procedure.


Today, the baby identified as "A", named Franklin Dale Burkes, is struggling for his life while the parents must plan for the funeral. However, due to recent expenses, the amount that they have is short of what they require. This fundraiser is to collect funds to handle the expenses associated with the funeral of baby William Burkes. On this page, you will receive a brief synopsis of the events that have transpired concerning the parents and twins in which this fundraiser has been created to assist.



(Amanda and her fiance, J.D)

Unexpected News

On Wednesday, June 5^th, Amanda and her fiancé, JD traveled to the hospital to have their unborn twins checked out as the diagnosis of twin to twin transfusion syndrome had been previously given to the couple. Each week, the couple had to travel out of town in order for Amanda and the babies to be monitored. This day was much like many other days. However, neither were aware that they were about to be given devastating news that would forever change their lives.


As the doctors examined Amanda and made an attempt to examine the unborn twins that she had been carrying for nearly 28 weeks, they realized that "Baby B", who the couple had named "William", did not have a heartbeat. The baby identified as "Baby A", named Franklin, continued to show a heartbeat. Due to the fact that early delivery could pose complications, the doctors worked diligently to determine what course of action should be taken next.

On Thursday, June 6^th, the doctors informed the couple that they would be performing a procedure referred to as an "Intrauterine Fetal Blood Transfusion" on the living twin, Franklin. However, after several hours in the operating room and numerous attempts to complete the transfusion, the operating doctors determined that they would be unable to perform the procedure due to the risks involved for both the mother and little baby Franklin.



Early on Friday, June 7^th, the hospital ordered several tests as Amanda started experiences complications that concerned them "“ such as a high heart rate. These tests included an EKG, a chest x-ray and an ultrasound of the heart. Not only did the medical professionals want to monitor her condition, but they were also trying to determine if she could successfully undergo an emergency caesarean section to deliver both William and Franklin. On the evening of June 7^th, she was wheeled to the operating room to deliver the babies, and baby "B", William James Burkes, was pronounced dead immediately after the delivery.



(Baby William)

Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome Explained

Twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a medical condition that occurs when the blood passes in an unequal manner between twins that have been identified as "Identical", and share a placenta. When a placenta is shared, the twins are identified as being "Monochorionic". In the placenta that is shared between the babies, there are blood vessels present that connect the supply of blood to each of the two babies. This permits the blood to easily flow between the children.



In very rare instances, the flow of blood becomes unbalanced. When this happens, it is diagnosed as "Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome", or "TTTS", for short. The smallest twin is then identified as the "Donor" and initiates the process of pumping blood to the larger baby. The larger baby is known as the "Recipient". This leaves the smaller baby with the issue of receiving too little blood, and the larger baby receiving too much blood.







(Baby Franklin)


Many complications may develop in twin to twin transfusion syndrome. First, the baby that is receiving too much blood will start to produce exceptionally large amounts of urine. As a result, the bladder may become too large. Furthermore, too much amniotic fluid may develop, and prenatal heart failure could occur. For the smaller twin, the baby may not be able to produce enough urine. When this happens, the amniotic fluid levels may become too low. Additionally, the abnormal blood flow that is occurring between the babies could result in one or both to experience nutritional deficiencies. As a result, growth may occur too rapidly in one baby, and the other baby may not experience the growth that is required.



According to the organization known as, "The Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome Foundation", the placenta is the single biological structure of the body that has the capability of causing injury and/or death to more than one individual at a time. The complications that this rare disorder may cause the twins to experience lifelong complications, or could result in death before delivery, or immediately after delivery, and in this instance, one baby has already passed away "“ sacrificing himself so that his twin brother may stand a chance for survival.



(Cameron Encouraging His Mommy, Amanda)

Funeral Expenses

The purpose and intent of this fundraiser is to assist in the funeral expenses for baby William. Amanda, her fiancé, JD, and her family have dealt with a tremendous amount of devastation and scares associated with the pregnancy for the past seven months. They have also experienced a large amount of medical expenses and expenses associated with traveling back and forth to specialists each week. One of the most challenging issues for parents is the death of a child. Actually, it is the absolute worse experience that a parent may endure.



I am kindly asking that each of you make a donation that you are comfortable with, at this time. Let's help take one of the burdens off the shoulders of this family. While this is only one burden that they face, it may be one of the most challenging. Let's honor William by donating to ensure that he receives the closure that we all deserve at the end of our lives. Making a contribution today "“ regardless of how small or how large "“ will make a large, positive impact on the lives of those that are suffering in this family tomorrow. Thank you so very much for your consideration and donations at this very challenging time.