Kristin and Michelle have had a long journey toward this moment. After five failed cycles of IVF, spending their life savings, and the emotional pangs of fertility, Kristin finally got pregnant! And to boot, it was twin girls! They were born on February 27, 2025, around 4:30 pm. Kristin and Michelle are excited for this next chapter of their lives.

But it can't begin yet. Clara Ana Sukeforth-Verger was born a few minutes ahead of her sister, but—despite being a pound bigger—struggled more. Both babies needed respiratory support immediately after birth. Claudia Elena Sukeforth-Verger was able to go home with her parents when Kristin was discharged from her C-section, but Clara was transferred to the NICU in Sacramento, suffering from a pneumothorax—a bubble external to the lung that doesn't allow it to inflate properly. She had to have a chest tube inserted into the space to allow air to leave and support the lung. Her pneumothorax healed and she was able to go home. They had her for a week and their family was reunited; the parents were thrilled and grateful.

It didn't last long. Clara was re-admitted to the hospital with a lung infection caused by aspiration. She is on antibiotics, breathing support (forced oxygen), and IV nutrients. The doctors are cautiously optimistic.

Given both babies' needs for medical assistance, they will easily meet their insurance out-of-pocket maximums (not to mention the C-section). The family was prepared for the standard healthy baby costs, but this has been an unanticipated and terrifying stressor when they should be worried about Clara's care and recovery.

Anything you can spare to help the Sukeforth-Vergers cover these costs would lighten the load on this new family. They love their village of support, without which they could never have started their family.