Julia & Matthias
The birth of a child is considered a miracle, but for us the miracle did not arrive as planned or expected. In the Spring of 2015 my spouse and I received the news that we were expecting twins. However, due to a pre-existing condition, I was admitted to the hospital at just 5 months and 2 weeks of gestation. At 26 weeks I gave birth to Julia and Matthias.
Our micro preemies weighed only 1 pound each. Our precious preemies experienced numerous medical complications. Julia and Matthias were to spend their first 3 months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Bridgeport Hospital. The nurses and social worker recommended that I meet with a mentor from The Tiny Miracles Foundation. I was visited by Lori Church, a Tiny Miracles mentor. We spent time talking, and Lori provided the comfort and support that was so meaningful, as she shared her personal story as a mother of a preemie. Lori provided a gift of hope.
As Venezuelan immigrants, we had no family in the area upon whom we could rely. Having been on bed rest and spending months with my preemie twins in the hospital I lost my job of 11 years and my spouse worked extra hours to try to make up the difference. We didn’t have enough money to cover some of our home expenses. Once again TTMF was by our side. TTMF provided a month’s rent, gave us bouncing chairs for our babies, and monitors. The Tiny Miracles Foundation was a great support to us during the worst moment a parent can face — not only the financial support but the emotional support as well. Knowing that we could talk to someone who had been in our situation and were able to understand us 100% without judging was super important.
My husband, my children, and I will be eternally grateful to TTMF. Getting connected with The Tiny Miracles Foundation, I learned that there are still people with big hearts and to see life with a different perspective. Most importantly, I learned to be more human, compassionate, and to help others.
Julia and Matthias kangarooing with Mom and Dad.
