One of the few things harder than asking for help from strangers and familiar people alike, is having twins born in the NICU, at 25 weeks 6 days... 3 months early. Our first mother and fathers day were spent by our boys' side in the hospital. There's no easy explanation... but they were born very young, and compromised. Fredrick and Bradford Turner were born at 1.9 lbs. and 2.3 lbs. on March 22nd. We have been by their side since. The last post I made was when they just started kicking, and I could feel them. Then, at 1 am that night, Kristy's water broke. That moment was gut wrenching. We had no idea what to expect, or what the outcome would be, but we were prepared in our faith to see the worst.
Fredrick was the smallest but most stable (if there is such a thing for a 25 week baby) born with some ailments.. lung issues, PDA (heart valve not closed yet causing large murmur), then he later developed kidney stones, along with other complications. He is a gift from God to this situation. Bradford, on the other hand, has had a very rough road, and may continue down that road. He has battled a pneumothorax (aka hole in his lung, filling his chest cavity with air) and miraculously healed from it with 2 tubes in his chest cavity. After that, he began his battle with being intubated on a ventilator until June 9th. It was a very difficult, very long time for us all, some caring staff included. We watched it unfold every moment of every day as they fought for their lives... a parents' literal nightmare... x2. Bradford is now battling Bi-pulmonary dysplasia, a severe chronic lung disease, healing from broken ribs, a hernia, multiple kidney stones, a stage 3 brain bleed, bone disease, PFO(hole in heart) and numerous other complications. He has also been diagnosed with a 1 in 13,000 genetic disorder called Beckwith Weidemann Syndrome (BWS), that will make his growth excessive, and comes with an increased risk of cancers, and possible deformities. His management will require many Dr visits and constant up sizing of clothing. He is an example for us all to persevere... He never gives up. His will to live is unlike anything any normal person will likely see in their lifetime, and being witness to his ability to beat the odds, is testament... He is equally a miracle and an example that can only be described as a reason to be a believer. Their survival is a gift from God Himself. We look up to them both for their willpower, but Bradford especially is a prime example of never giving up. He doesn't know the meaning of quit.
After being in the NICU for over 140 days, day and night, and sacrificing everything we could to not leave their side... we have hit a wall. One Dr with over 20 years of experience, and some others alike said they have never seen a family make it through an entire NICU stay like this. We are fully dedicated to their well being and plan to remain together for the remainder of Bradfords admission to the NICU.
All proceeds of this fundraiser will go toward a vehicle, finishing the house, and amenities to increase their quality of life, and will allow us to give them everything possible as caring first time parents.
Clothes as Bradford will outgrow them insanely fast. There are some (BWS) cases where 6 month old children can reach 30 lbs in 18 month old clothing. Some 7 year old kids reach 160 lbs. That's larger than I was when I left high school, and heavier than Kristy is now.
Food... as Bradford is gaining weight and growing faster than any average child, he will also drink a ton of milk. Thank God Kristy has produced a solid supply of milk, but with an appetite like his, combined with rate of growth, our stores will evaporate when he starts to feed in larger quantities. And there are 2 of them.
A vehicle.. we will be selling one of, or both of our vehicles, combined with any possible donations, to get a quality vehicle if we can manage it. Neither a Civic or small Tacoma will hold everything we need for normal transportation. We need an SUV or van to suit our new lifestyle. 2 car seats, possible oxygen tanks, a double or 2 single strollers, diaper bags, and depending on later circumstances, specialized equipping may be needed. We will also have an excessive amount of appointments to go to. Not just because of having 2 extremely premature infants at once (called micro preemies), but because Bradford has increased risks that will require many Dr appointments aside from the normal, and another newborn to take into consideration well.
Some adjustments may be needed for the home and small finishes or child proofing, as we will have a very large, very strong infant. His excessive muscle development and excessive growth will make him a force to reckon with. Its not pride speaking, one of the biggest hazards thus far has been to himself. He will not be like a typical child anyone comes into contact with(BWS is 1 in 13,000). Any and everything related to needs for two very unique children, is what we will be outfitting for.
We will be investing in their development. We want to give them everything a child could need to develop and thrive.
We are starting a Christmas tree farm, with 20,000 seed pods ready for germination, operating a vegetable stand, growing large gardens, and will teach them business and people skills through agriculture. We will strive for them to be honest, hardworking, caring, and compassionate smart men someday.
Donations will be infinitely appreciated, and never forgotten. We will share with them the gracious people in their lives, and teach them never to burn bridges. To treat everyone as equals, and that all people are deserving of respect, regardless of how they themselves are treated. We have had incredibly gracious family members and churches pull together without us asking, and without us sharing publicly what is happening. We are forever grateful for what you all have done for us. By the grace of God, it has given us priceless time together. Along with selling whatever belongings and valuables we could to be here with our boys, we have exhausted all resources, to a default. We are forever thankful for those family members, acquaintances, and strangers alike.
Our goal is only to prepare for a rough road. We are at a point where we feel we can't leave their side until this NICU stay is over. We are close to defaulting on debts, as we have managed to build our small home for them to grow in, out of pocket, with help from friends, family, and community ❤️. It took everything we had, and credit. It was almost done when her water broke. We inevitably were unprepared for having twins 3 months early, and staying for over 4 months with them in the NICU. With two infants, and the amount of accommodations, appointments, and quality standard of care that we feel is necessary to give them both, it will take the two of us working together. At least until we can manage the transition, and a routine is established. Well enough established to allow one of us to get back to work.
We try to be strong, and there for them in every way possible, and we have sacrificed everything we possibly can. It seems it would take a miracle to do everything needed to keep our head above water, as well as give them the best chance at normality, and the ability to succeed.
Every dime of this fundraiser will go to making preparations for the boys, and to give them what they need as we move towards a transition of bringing them home, and if possible, equipping for a life with extremely premature twins. Along with everything that goes with having a potentially compromised child or children. Fredrick is discharged as of last week with kidney stones, and is working hard to take the volumes of feed to maintain his weight and or grow at an acceptable rate, and is struggling to be regular. We will finish our stay with Bradford as he works on coming off from respiratory support, and keep the family together at all costs.
It's a hard thing to process, asking for help. Friends, some members of the community, and people that have had a prolonged NICU experience before, know the inner workings and difficulties beyond what is stated in this description. We have received many prayers which we graciously accept, as it has been difficult for us all. If there is anyone out there by the grace of God that can help us, we are forever in your debt and prayers of gratitude will be generational. We will raise these boys honorably, honestly, and with integrity. We will teach these boys to be grateful in hard times, and to put others before themselves. To be patient. How to love. How to sacrifice. To speak the truth. We will teach them of their own story. We will teach them of faith. We will also teach them of their community, and the measures that have been taken to ensure their well being, and to reciprocate. We cant thank any of you enough just for thoughts, and prayers alone. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
The Turner Family