On October 18, 2019 my sister, Melissa, was hospitalized at 27 weeks pregnant (6 1/2 months)with her identical twin boys, Everett and Eli. The babies were experiencing serious complications after being diagnosed with IUGR. IUGR affects 10% of all twin pregnancies. It is a condition in which an unborn baby is not growing at a normal rate inside the womb due to reduced blood flow through the placenta. This complication can cause possible fetal chromosomal defects and in worse cases stillbirth due to lack of blood flow and oxygen levels getting to the baby. Melissa was required to undergo monitoring several times a day and unable to leave the hospital until the babies were born. After five long weeks in the hospital, Melissa delivered the boys at 32 weeks gestation on November 22, 2019. Everett weighed 4lbs 2 oz followed by his brother, Eli, weighing just 2 lbs 11oz. Melissa and Dennis are so in love with their boys and thankful they survived, especially after learning that in addition to experiencing IUGR in the womb they also suffered from twin to twin transfusion syndrome. Because of this condition Everett, the larger brother, was passing blood through to his brother Eli to help sustain life—something that is incredible and kind, but also dangerous to both’s development. This has been a very scary and trying time for Melissa and Dennis and their family. In addition to the their concern for their sons’ survival, health, and quality of life their financial burden continues to grow as the boys prepare to spend their first weeks or months of life gaining strength and undergoing testing in the NICU at Tampa General Hospital. Melissa has been on unpaid medical leave for over a month and Dennis has worked reduced hours to support his wife and sons during their hospitalizations. They have already reached their insurance out of pocket of $16,000 and should the boys’ NICU stay extend beyond the New Year, they could reach a total out of pocket of $32,000. Melissa and Dennis really appreciate all the support and prayer they have received thus far. If you feel compelled to donate to help support Melissa and her babies she and Dennis would forever be grateful. We will continue to post photos and updates on the boys’ progress.