The Powell Family

My name is Katie Turnmire and I am the parent of 27 weeker triplets born in April 2020 who spent 89, 100, and 314 days in the NICU. I am here to ask for support for Kristen, Chris, Waylon, and baby Olivia.

I met Kristen days after Olivia was born to be a micropreemie parent to support Kristen. To be a support person for the Powells has been a huge blessing to me, to pay it forward for what I had when I was walking my own NICU journey.

For those that do not know Kristen and Chris-

Olivia as some of you know was the 9th frozen embryo transfer for baby no. 2. She is the only embryo that stuck out of the 3 that were transferred. Kristen’s pregnancy started out seemingly without hiccups until she went to an appointment around 15 weeks in which the doctors discovered her cervix was shortening already. It was advised that she then get a cerclage placed. That was done and seemed to work well for a few weeks. At the 22 week mark Kristen went in for another appointment to check to see if the stitch was still in place. Unfortunately the stitch was not holding any longer. It is rare that the first cerclage doesn’t hold into place but it was suggested a second one be placed. At 23 weeks a second on was placed. The hope was to buy more time for Olivia to grow in the womb. However the Friday after Kristen turned 24 weeks she was in the hospital for some discomfort which turned out to be here body trying to go into labor. She was given meds to stop the labor but they kept her in the hospital. Sunday morning at around 2 am Kristen woke out of a sleep to her water breaking. She says she was in shock when this happened because she knew it was just to early for Olivia to come into the world. She was told then she would stay in the hospital until Olivia was born with the hopes that she would stay put and grow a while longer. Kristen’s body only continued to stay pregnant until Wednesday, October 5th when Olivia made her entrance into the world weighing in at 1 pound 7 ounces at 535 am.

Baby Olivia was born just shy of 25 weeks at 24 week and 6 days. The survival rate of a baby born this early is between 60-70%; Olivia is making great progress but has a long road ahead of her. Olivia will be in the NICU at VCU until atleast her due date which means the expenses of travel to and from the hospital daily, meals on the road or at the hospital, everyday bills, and medical bills are weighing heavily on the family.

Any donation is greatly appreciated.

Please continue to keep baby Olivia and the Powell family in your prayers as they continue to navigate this journey.