Help Brian and Danielle Through Their Heartbreak

Esmé Rose and Iris Ruth were born on August 31st 2024 to Brian and Danielle. They were twins and with most twins, came a little bit ahead of schedule. They just couldn’t wait to be held and loved on by their Mom and Dad!

from Danielle:

“On August 31st at 9:38pm our beautiful Esmé Rose was born 6 minutes after her sister Iris Ruth.

They were both born crying, pink and healthy at 33 weeks but needed to stay in the NICU to feed and grow.

On the evening of September 3rd I held Esmè for several hours for Kangaroo care and read her her first book; I had no idea this would be the last time I’d ever hold her against me skin-to-skin. Less than 12 hours after putting her back in her isolette, Esmé was being rushed to Cleveland Clinic Main Campus for emergency surgery for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

Brian and I did a lot of research and planning for twins. We had all the gear, prepared for the sleep/feeding challenges and even anticipated having a pre-term delivery and NICU stay, but nothing prepared us for NEC.

If caught early NEC is very treatable, especially in a chunkier 33-weeker like our Esmé. However, it became clear after her first surgery that it was not caught early and all of Esmé’s intestines had been severely damaged. Two days later Esmé underwent her 2nd surgery, and over 90% of her small intestines were removed due to the damage.

Then on September 7th Esmé took her last breath in our arms, just 7 days after taking her first breath in our arms. I can’t begin to describe the pain that Brian and I endure. We wake every morning and sob, wishing to wake up from this nightmare that is our new reality. Never will we watch her grow up or cuddle her in our arms again. Iris is now a twinless twin; she loses an entire lifetime with the closest person to her.

We want to thank all the people who have made us meals, or given us gift cards or emotional support during this last week. We also wanted to thank everyone for the baby shower gifts we received, since we never got around to finishing thank you cards.

Finally we ask that you hug and kiss your little ones and loved ones, life is fragile, make sure to be present.”

It goes without saying- but Danielle, Brian, and Iris and their Guardian Angel Esmé could use all the love and support they can get during this difficult time. Any donation will help them cover expenses due to taking extended time off work, medical bills, as well as having the task of re purchasing single baby items when preparing for twins.