Amanda and Corey's Story
Donation protected
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/dierkestwins/journal 
Isaac
Parker
Hi Everyone,
This is Amanda and Corey's story. Thank you for taking the time to share their experience.
Amanda and Corey met through a mutual friend in 2009 while on a camping trip. Their love sparked and they married in 2015. Amanda, a nurse, and Corey, a man of all trades, excitedly broke ground for their new farm house in Southern Illinois in 2016 in preparation for their biggest surprise yet. They were blessed with twin boys on the way!
Amanda's pregnancy was unremarkable until she reached 23 weeks. She went into premature labor on September 14th, and needed to be airlifted to Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. She gave birth the following day shortly after midnight to two sweet little angels, Isaac and Parker.
For reference, this is what gestation at 23 weeks looks like: a baby is about the size of a grapefruit.
The average 23-week fetus measures 11.4 inches from head to foot and weighs 1.1 pounds. Yep, they are almost a foot long, and are finally able to be weighed in pounds!
Isaac and Parker's journey started off very rocky. They were living continuously monitored in the Neonatal ICU. They were both on ventilators for respiratory support and enduring a multitude of ailments ranging from brain bleeds, infections, hypotention and bradycardia, which required continuously titrating medications, and Isaac suffered a bowel perforation on top of everything else. Sadly, on October 5th, at three weeks old Isaac passed away and was burried three days later.
It was a very heart-wrenching and difficult experience for Amanda and Corey and their families, but they still have Parker to watch out for and to give them hope.
Shortly after the passing of Issac, Parker needed heart surgery to correct his Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), which is a fetal blood vessel that allows blood to go around his lungs before birth. However, this vessel normally closes soon after birth. Parker's needed his to be clipped to improve his bloodflow throughout his entire body.
November 5th, marked the one month anniversary of Isaac's passing and Parker's 51st day of life. It was a bittersweet day but Parker still needs constant monitoring. He continues to grow and now weighs 2lbs 12 oz!!
Amanda and Corey's difficult days are not over. They have much more to overcome with baby Parker. Friends and family, please help Amanda and Corey during this difficult time. Any donation, big or small, is highly appreciated. Also, please SHARE their story with others!
For more news and updates about Parker's progress, please visit: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/dierkestwins/journal
IsaacParkerHi Everyone,
This is Amanda and Corey's story. Thank you for taking the time to share their experience.
Amanda and Corey met through a mutual friend in 2009 while on a camping trip. Their love sparked and they married in 2015. Amanda, a nurse, and Corey, a man of all trades, excitedly broke ground for their new farm house in Southern Illinois in 2016 in preparation for their biggest surprise yet. They were blessed with twin boys on the way!
Amanda's pregnancy was unremarkable until she reached 23 weeks. She went into premature labor on September 14th, and needed to be airlifted to Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. She gave birth the following day shortly after midnight to two sweet little angels, Isaac and Parker.
For reference, this is what gestation at 23 weeks looks like: a baby is about the size of a grapefruit.
The average 23-week fetus measures 11.4 inches from head to foot and weighs 1.1 pounds. Yep, they are almost a foot long, and are finally able to be weighed in pounds!
Isaac and Parker's journey started off very rocky. They were living continuously monitored in the Neonatal ICU. They were both on ventilators for respiratory support and enduring a multitude of ailments ranging from brain bleeds, infections, hypotention and bradycardia, which required continuously titrating medications, and Isaac suffered a bowel perforation on top of everything else. Sadly, on October 5th, at three weeks old Isaac passed away and was burried three days later.
It was a very heart-wrenching and difficult experience for Amanda and Corey and their families, but they still have Parker to watch out for and to give them hope.
Shortly after the passing of Issac, Parker needed heart surgery to correct his Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), which is a fetal blood vessel that allows blood to go around his lungs before birth. However, this vessel normally closes soon after birth. Parker's needed his to be clipped to improve his bloodflow throughout his entire body.
November 5th, marked the one month anniversary of Isaac's passing and Parker's 51st day of life. It was a bittersweet day but Parker still needs constant monitoring. He continues to grow and now weighs 2lbs 12 oz!!
Amanda and Corey's difficult days are not over. They have much more to overcome with baby Parker. Friends and family, please help Amanda and Corey during this difficult time. Any donation, big or small, is highly appreciated. Also, please SHARE their story with others!
For more news and updates about Parker's progress, please visit: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/dierkestwins/journal
Organizer and beneficiary
Chelsea Moghtanei
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA
Amanda Dierkes
Beneficiary
