Help the Miller Family Recover

In December 2022, the Miller family welcomed their twin boys, Waylon and Declan, 2.5 months prematurely. Maggie was hospitalized, days before Christmas, an hour and a half away from home at 28 weeks, in order to try and make it to 34 weeks gestation and safely deliver the twins. Maggie was forced to be away from their other son, Cillian who was 1.5 at the time. The hospitalization occurred because Declan presented with severe growth restriction, and absent-ended diastolic flow, which is a complication of the blood flow from the placenta to the baby. Once that flow reversed, there was a four day window before Declan was at risk of being stillborn, so the twins had to be monitored closely.

After a week in the hospital, the diastolic flow of the umbilical cord reversed and Maggie and Dylan were whisked away for a C-section within the hour. Waylon was born first weighing 2 lbs 9 oz, and Declan followed a minute after weighing 1 lb 13 oz. The boys were quickly moved to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to begin a long journey of growing and learning the basic skills needed to thrive outside of the womb. Shortly after Maggie was discharged, the Miller's received a call that Declan had a perforated bowel and required an emergency transfer to Children's Hospital for surgery. His surgery was successful, and days later they transferred Waylon to be with him. Declan's surgery complicated his stay, as he had a stoma and ostomy bag that would require a bowel repair surgery later on once he was bigger and stronger. Waylon was in the NICU for 51 days, and Declan was there for 100 days.

Maggie and Dylan had to divide their time between the hospital and home as Dylan had to continue working and Maggie had to be home with their toddler. This resulted in 3 hour round trips almost daily in order to be with the twins, and also maintain normalcy at home. The Miller's had to spend thousands of dollars in gas and food during this time, but were able to receive some help from wonderful friends and family to keep current on their monthly bills. However, now that the boys are home, the downfall of those three months has caught up. Medical bills are piling up, and they are currently in a battle with insurance to cover these large expenses. Declan is also requiring more medical intervention that is costing thousands of dollars that the Miller's do not have. In the meantime, they have had to set up payment plans to avoid being sent to collections, which is starting to impact their ability to pay their monthly bills. They were refused mortgage assistance, and are fighting hard to stay current in order to keep their home.

This experience has greatly humbled them, and they appreciate any support you can provide during this very difficult time.