Help MoMo Twins, Chase & Cameron Overcome Medical Hardships

Our story started June 2024 when we found we were pregnant with MoMo twins. Mono-amniotic/Mono-chorionic twins are "identical or semi-identical twins who share the same amniotic sac and placenta. They are a rare type of pregnancy that can lead to serious complications." The MFM clinic asked us to come in to verify, as they were certain of a misdiagnosis due to the rarity of the pregnancy. After five ultrasounds, including four techs, and finally the doctor, we were given solemn eyes that they were indeed MoMo twins, and luckily not conjoined. The doctor sternly recommended biweekly ultrasound appointments and frequent non-stress tests at any signs of fetal distress. But most shockingly, to have an inpatient hospitalization starting at 26 weeks gestation and ending either in an emergency c-section or a scheduled c-section at no later than 34 weeks. So we began putting one foot in front of the other, anxiously attending appointments and celebrating milestones that were certainly not promised. At our 20-week anatomy scan, we celebrated the gender confirmation of two little boys! However, the excitement quickly wore off when we were told Baby A was diagnosed with a complex heart condition called D-TGA with a VSD (Transposition of the Great Arteries with a Ventricular Septal Defect). Meaning, "a congenital heart defect where the aorta and pulmonary artery are switched in position, and a hole in the lower chamber of the heart." Surgery would be needed within the first few months of life. The cardiologists and surgeons ideally wanted him to stay in utero until 39 weeks to increase the chances of his survival. The MFM team protested, waiting that long to deliver would most likely lead to the loss of both babies due to cord entanglement and compression. So, after much back and forth, it was decided we would try to make it to 34 weeks gestation. Continuing to chug along this journey, we made it to the 26-week mark where I said goodbye to my career and hello to my new home at the Mother Baby Center. This is where I would spend the remaining 56 days of my pregnancy. The twins' heartbeats were monitored every 8 hours for a full one-hour stretch, searching for any increased or decreased heart rate which would indicate an umbilical cord is being pinched. After 8 long weeks, the day finally arrived. On December 4th, 2024, at 1:05 pm and 1:06 pm, we welcomed Chase (Baby A) and Cameron (Baby B). Weighing in at 4 lbs 12 oz and 4 lbs 8 oz, it was a beautiful sight to see. Thinking our hardships were coming to an end, they were merely just starting. The twins were sent to two different sides of the hospital, Cameron to the NICU, and Chase to the CVCC. Cameron continued to make progress with little delays, coming home after only 3 weeks in the feeders and growers unit. However, Chase's condition rapidly declined. He was on life support and virtually unresponsive to all stimulation due to medications. His lactic acid quickly climbed to dangerously high levels, and it was a mystery to his care team what was causing his body to work so hard. We were told he may not survive and should be prepared to say our goodbyes. Shortly after, they found the reason for his concerning labs was an active stroke due to lack of oxygen at birth, permanently damaging his brain. They found a grade 4 intraventricular hemorrhage (brain bleed), white matter (nerve damage), and a blood clot where the cerebral fluid is supposed to drain. We were told if he does survive, he is at high risk for cerebral palsy and developmental delays. It wasn’t until weeks later he came off life support, and we started to see improvements in Chase. Soon, we were back on track and discussing his upcoming surgery that would end our hospital stay and get our family home once and for all. This is when we were hit again with a huge wave of bad news. Chase developed pulmonary stenosis, and an abnormal coronary artery was found. This means he is no longer a candidate for the arterial switch operation, which is the standard surgery used to correct TGA. Fast forward to today… Chase was discharged from the hospital with a nasal cannula for oxygen support and a pulse oximeter to monitor his heart rate and oxygen saturations. We have biweekly cardiac echo appointments to monitor the condition of his heart. His care team is still formulating a plan for a surgery and timeline that best suits Chase. We are hoping to have his heart surgery within the next 9 months. Being that a more complex surgery will need to be used, this will likely result in multiple heart surgeries throughout his life. Until then, he is bonding with his twin and family. His current struggles are feeding difficulties, increased work of breathing, low oxygen saturations, and recurring pneumonia. Even with his difficulties, Chase continues to beat the odds and make us all so proud. He beams with strength and joy considering his uphill battle.

I created this GoFundMe in hopes to help support our new family while we care full-time for Cameron and Chase. Due to the complexities of Chase's condition, he is not allowed or recommended to attend daycare. This means I am unable to return to work in the foreseeable future. Any donations will assist in uncovered medical expenses, make up for lost wages, and pay for general living expenses. We are endlessly grateful for any assistance, and plan to keep this page updated frequently.

Sincerely,

Mackenzie, Evan, Chase, and Cameron