Irwin Conjoined Twins-Sarabeth and Ameila
Donation protected
This fundraiser is for the Irwin twins, Amelia and Sarabeth and their family. Dad and Mom are Phil and Alyson Irwin, and older sister Kennedy.
The twins were born June 11, 2019, six weeks early and conjoined at the sternum with a shared liver. The girls were in the loving care of their parents and a wonderful NICU team at the CS Mott's Children's Hospital in Ann Abor at the University of Michigan for most of the summer of 2019. Even though the girls were born prematurely and conjoined, they came out fighting and grew stronger every day in the hospital. After 85 days in the NICU, they were finally able to come home with Sarabeth still remaining on oxygen and a full schedule of outpatient visits and at home care visits to check on the twins.
The girls had an initial tissue expander surgery in October of 2019 and stayed in the hospital for a few days, but were able to come home almost immediately. The girls were happy and healthy at home until October 24th, when they got sick and had to spend some time back in the NICU to recover for another 15 days.
After that, a separation surgery was planned for February 12th of this year. The week before their scheduled surgery, the common cold caused and emergency drop in the oxygen levels and they were rushed to the hospital again. They have remained in PICU care until they are healthy enough to go home and have a separation surgery rescheduled. At this time, the tissue expanders that were implanted had to be drained due to pressure on the lungs, so the girls have to start all over again before their next surgery.
Amelia and Sarabeth have two loving parents, Phil and Alyson and an older sister, Kennedy, who is three years old. The family has been so strong through this whole process and I can't begin to understand what it feels like to be in their shoes. During the times of hospital stays and visits, it is especially difficult on the family because they are separated. Alyson or Phil will stay over-night at the hospital or a couple of days with the twins, while the other parent is working or with Kennedy, taking turns to stay with the twins.
Phil and Alyson are both hard-working individuals but during this time, one parent can work with a flexible schedule but it is difficult to balance two full-time jobs. Their family has insurance to cover the cost of the major hospital bills but not everything. The girls will continue to need special medical attention and care for many years. After their initial surgery, there will be more hospital stays, doctors visits, follow-up surgeries and procedures. We do not know what all will be involved but Phil and Alyson are committed to providing the best care for these two sweet, special and strong little girls.
The fundraiser is being organized to help with Phil and Alyson's day to day expenses that are not covered by insurance. It will be an on-going fundraiser to help ensure there is a safety net in case another emergency comes up or they need a little extra help with items and care for the girls. Phil and Alyson are overwhelmed and appreciative of all the support, concern and prayers so many have offered already. They cannot thank you enough for your support.
It isn't easy when a loved one is sick or has a difficult health situation. Thank you for taking the time to read this message about Amelia and Sarabeth and sharing their journey with their family.
The twins were born June 11, 2019, six weeks early and conjoined at the sternum with a shared liver. The girls were in the loving care of their parents and a wonderful NICU team at the CS Mott's Children's Hospital in Ann Abor at the University of Michigan for most of the summer of 2019. Even though the girls were born prematurely and conjoined, they came out fighting and grew stronger every day in the hospital. After 85 days in the NICU, they were finally able to come home with Sarabeth still remaining on oxygen and a full schedule of outpatient visits and at home care visits to check on the twins.
The girls had an initial tissue expander surgery in October of 2019 and stayed in the hospital for a few days, but were able to come home almost immediately. The girls were happy and healthy at home until October 24th, when they got sick and had to spend some time back in the NICU to recover for another 15 days.
After that, a separation surgery was planned for February 12th of this year. The week before their scheduled surgery, the common cold caused and emergency drop in the oxygen levels and they were rushed to the hospital again. They have remained in PICU care until they are healthy enough to go home and have a separation surgery rescheduled. At this time, the tissue expanders that were implanted had to be drained due to pressure on the lungs, so the girls have to start all over again before their next surgery.
Amelia and Sarabeth have two loving parents, Phil and Alyson and an older sister, Kennedy, who is three years old. The family has been so strong through this whole process and I can't begin to understand what it feels like to be in their shoes. During the times of hospital stays and visits, it is especially difficult on the family because they are separated. Alyson or Phil will stay over-night at the hospital or a couple of days with the twins, while the other parent is working or with Kennedy, taking turns to stay with the twins.
Phil and Alyson are both hard-working individuals but during this time, one parent can work with a flexible schedule but it is difficult to balance two full-time jobs. Their family has insurance to cover the cost of the major hospital bills but not everything. The girls will continue to need special medical attention and care for many years. After their initial surgery, there will be more hospital stays, doctors visits, follow-up surgeries and procedures. We do not know what all will be involved but Phil and Alyson are committed to providing the best care for these two sweet, special and strong little girls.
The fundraiser is being organized to help with Phil and Alyson's day to day expenses that are not covered by insurance. It will be an on-going fundraiser to help ensure there is a safety net in case another emergency comes up or they need a little extra help with items and care for the girls. Phil and Alyson are overwhelmed and appreciative of all the support, concern and prayers so many have offered already. They cannot thank you enough for your support.
It isn't easy when a loved one is sick or has a difficult health situation. Thank you for taking the time to read this message about Amelia and Sarabeth and sharing their journey with their family.
Organizer and beneficiary
Johanna Lentz
Organizer
Milan, MI
Alyson Irwin
Beneficiary