My name is Hannah, and I am creating this fundraiser for my sister, Natalie, her husband, Sterlin, and their soon-to-be-born baby boys. Recently, some complications have occurred that led to the discovery of a condition called Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome. Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) occurs in 15-20% of mono/di twins (twins that have their own amniotic sacs but share a placenta). It is caused by unbalanced blood vessel connections on the placenta, so one baby gets too much blood and the other baby does not get enough. It is a very rare condition and is life-threatening to both twins. There are only a handful of hospitals in the US that offer the laser ablation surgery to treat TTTS. Without the surgery, the risk of one or both babies dying is 80-100%. The surgery will correct the blood vessels between both boys, closing off connections between the two.

On the evening of March 18th, Natalie and Sterlin were contacted by the Cincinnati Children’s Fetal Care Center and were told they needed to be there first thing in the morning, as the longer they waited, the percentage of losing one or both twins increased. This required a sudden plane ticket booking and taking off work for an unprecedented amount of time.

When they arrived in Cincinnati the next morning, they learned she was in Stage 3 of TTTS and was a candidate for the fetoscopic laser surgery, SLCP. She underwent the minimally invasive surgery the following morning, and both she and the boys responded well. She was required to stay in the Fetal Intensive Care Unit for the following 24 hours and required to stay in Cincinnati for a follow-up five days later. During the follow-up appointment, they learned that there are still many significant complications that could occur. The remainder of the pregnancy will be very high risk.

Most of the women who receive this surgery are expected to deliver 10 weeks post-procedure, putting her delivery around 30 weeks. While we pray they make it as long as possible, it is an extremely high-risk situation. The boys are also expected to have a lengthy NICU stay in Savannah, requiring possible temporary relocation for Natalie and Sterlin.

Other than trips to a high-risk OBGYN in Savannah and possible future trips to Cincinnati, Natalie has been placed on modified bed rest. Until further notice, she is on medical leave from her job as a sixth-grade teacher in Glynn County.

While Natalie and Sterlin are privileged to have insurance, the medical bills are already stacking up. We believe this fundraiser will alleviate some of the financial stress, as they face the reality of no secondary income, mounting medical bills, and all the expenses which have already accumulated. Unexpected plane tickets, hotel/food expenses, and possible future trips to Cincinnati all make this entire process more of a financial struggle.

While they have been blessed by their family and friends so far, they have a long medical/financial road ahead of them. We appreciate any help you are willing to provide, but most importantly, we ask for your prayers.

Any leftover and unused expenses will be donated to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for TTTS research.

Sincerely, with all of our love and gratitude,

The McCollum/Singleton Family