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Rebecca and John Cahall had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of their twin girls, who were due in July 2023. But their joy turned into fear when Rebecca developed pre-eclampsia, a dangerous condition that causes high blood pressure and can harm both mother and baby.

At 28 weeks, Rebecca had to undergo an emergency cesarean section to save her life and the lives of her babies. The twins, who shared a placenta, were born weighing less than three pounds each and were immediately taken to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at GBMC.

There, the doctors discovered another complication: the twins had twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS), a rare disorder that affects the blood flow between identical twins. One twin was getting more red blood cells than the other, causing one to be pale and anemic and the other to be red and polycythemic. The condition can lead to serious problems such as brain damage, heart failure and death, if left untreated. The twins needed several blood transfusions and close monitoring to stabilize their condition.

Rebecca, who was recovering from surgery, was not able to see her babies for 24 hours. She said it was heartbreaking to be separated from them and not be able to hold them or be with them.

"I could see them in there with like their tubes and wires. I knew they were fighting for their lives. It was kind of like a relief that they were alive, but also terrifying that they were so fragile," she said.

John, who was juggling work and family responsibilities, said he felt helpless and overwhelmed by the situation. He said he tried to stay positive and supportive for his wife and his daughters.

"It was hard to see them so small and vulnerable. I wanted to protect them and make them better, but I couldn't do anything. I just had to trust the doctors and nurses," he said.

The Cahalls said they found comfort and guidance from the staff at the NICU, who became like a second family to them. They said the nurses taught them how to care for their babies, how to change their diapers, how to feed them, and how to bond with them through skin-to-skin contact.

"They were amazing. They were so compassionate and knowledgeable. They listened to our concerns and answered our questions. They celebrated every milestone with us. They made us feel like we were not alone," Rebecca said.

The Cahalls also found support from other parents in the NICU, who shared their stories and experiences with them. They said they formed friendships that lasted beyond their stay at the hospital.

"We met some wonderful people who were going through similar things as us. We understood each other's struggles and joys. We cheered each other on. We became a community," John said.

After 12 weeks of ups and downs, the twins were finally ready to be discharged. The NICU staff threw a graduation party for them, complete with onesies, certificates and pictures. The Cahalls said it was a bittersweet moment to leave the place that had been their home for so long.

"We were so happy to take our girls home, but we were also sad to say goodbye to everyone who helped us so much. They were like family to us. We will always be grateful for what they did for us," Rebecca said.

The twins, who are now 2 years old, are doing well at home. They are growing, smiling and developing their own personalities. Rebecca said they are miracles who have overcome so much.

"They are our little fighters. They have shown us how strong they are. They have taught us how precious life is. They are our everything," she said.

The 35th annual Father's Day 5K is an excellent opportunity to support babies like the Cahall twins while also spending quality time with your own family participating in a fun and healthy activity. The 5K run/walk suitable for all ages and fitness levels will be held on June 18, and supports GBMC's NICU babies and the staff that care for them. By registering for this event, you will not only have a great time with your loved ones but also support GBMC's mission to provide top-quality healthcare to future of the Baltimore community—its newborns. Don't miss out on this chance to create unforgettable memories and make a positive impact on your community!

Register Now!

Related Providers
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Michelle Gontasz, MD, FAAP
Michelle Gontasz, MD, FAAP

Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine

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