An estimated 15 million babies around the world are born prematurely each year, and one million of them do not survive their early birth.
Mom Alexis Host shares with us about her “Miracle Babies” Charlee and Lennix (1lb twins):
I am the mother of 24-week twin miracles. After a whirlwind emergency c-section, our babies entered the world on May 11, 2013. Charlee, 1lb/1oz., and Lennix, 1lb/6oz., were fighters from the start!
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They weren’t dealt the best hand but never let anything defeat them. Lennix has battled NEC, compartment syndrome, numerous bowel revisions, severe reflux, infantile spasms, cerebral palsy and so much more. Charlee had numerous failed extubations and eventually needed to be trached. Charlee contracted meningitis which resulted in a brain abscess that needed to be drained and had various battles with pneumonia.
At just 2 1/2 years old, they’ve endured over 30 surgeries; a 226 day NICU stay; countless PICU stays; cerebral palsy; epilepsy and so much more. Next month we will celebrate two years of being home as a happy family of four! As we approach this milestone, we’ve compiled highlights from the 8,000,000 pictures/videos we have taken in the past 2 1/2 years into a 15-minute video.
I know 15 minutes seems long, but please take the time to watch the video, share it and enjoy how far our miracle babies have come.They are amazing, funny, strong-willed toddlers who are also our heroes. November is Prematurity Awareness Month and this is an opportunity to get a glimpse inside the world of a preemie and the day to day struggles they can endure, followed by the months and years of accomplishments. Experts say simple improvements in infant care could help many premature babies survive.
For more information, please visit World Prematurity Day [3].
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