In April 2021, Briana and Christopher were overjoyed to find out they were expecting not one, but two precious babies. After a few ultrasounds, and at only 16 weeks pregnant, Briana and Chris were told that the boys had Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS). TTTS is a rare condition that affects only about 10 percent of identical twin pregnancies. The boys’ placenta was connected, causing the blood vessels to cross one another. The joined placenta resulted in too much blood flow to one baby and not enough to the other. The babies needed a rare fetal laser surgery where they separated four blood flow connections in the two placentas.

Chris and Briana went to a doctor's appointment and were immediately admitted into the hospital because emergency surgery was needed to save the babies’ lives. If you believe in miracles, this was a miracle and perfect timing. Surgery was successful and her doctor was able to use her story for a study to help future cases like hers. They took almost two liters of fluid from Baby A, which immediately helped the babies and they continued to grow.

Briana went on bedrest and the goal was to keep the babies growing until 32 weeks, but last week the boys had other plans and were ready to meet their parents. At 30 weeks, Briana’s water broke and they traveled right to the hospital to welcome their babies. A little over 24 hours later, Briana, Chris, and their doctor decided a c-section would be the best route to bring their babies here safely.

On September 15th at 2:10pm Grayson Ray was born, weighing 3 lbs 0.5 oz and measuring 39 cm long. At 2:12pm Jackson Miles was born, weighing 2 lbs 11 oz and measuring 37.5 cm long.

Only a short three hours after birth, little Grayson received his first little battle wound as he went in for a procedure on his arm. While in the womb, he had part of the amniotic sac wrapped around his arm, cutting off circulation. Surgery went well and they were able to release the tissue on his bicep. The doctor discovered that his muscles and two major nerves were very irritated. The doctor opened up his forearm to release more pressure. She said his arm is now the same size as his right and she is very optimistic that his little baby healing powers will take care of the rest. The muscles and nerves should become less irritated and heal back to normal. She will be checking up on him regularly while he is in the NICU and said he will need check ups later around 6 months and a year to make sure his fine motor skills develop correctly. If he had not been born when he was, he would have had a higher chance of losing his arm due to lack of circulation.

The boys have a long NICU recovery road ahead of them. It could be as long as three months.

Briana and Chris have been able to visit the boys every day since they were born and have started to get the opportunity for skin-to-skin bonding time. They both have strong vitals and are breathing room air just with help from a c-pap machine. They are on feeding tubes to help them plump up and grow. Briana is healing and spirits are well given the journey they are on.

Chris and Briana are on a journey that is open-ended. Unfortunately, TTTS can come with the development of health concerns for the boys later on. No one will know what those could be until it occurs in the moment in the months to years ahead. The family will face many long appointments and consultations as they grow bigger and stronger.

With this new journey comes some financial concerns, including: gas costs from traveling back and forth to the NICU, unexpected added medical expenses, Briana’s recovery, and her being unable to work. We are looking to raise some funds and every bit of support will help as this new little family steps into this chapter.

If you feel it in your heart to help support them during this time, the family is extremely grateful.

Gift cards, personal donations and other forms of gifts are also welcome.

Please email [email redacted] if you would like to send personal gift cards or will need their address to send gifts.

From the entire family, we thank you for your love and support. We are so grateful to each and every one of you.