Dec. 26, 1995, was the scariest day of my life. That was the evening my twins Larissa and Logan were born at 29 weeks.
Despite a “normal and uneventful” pregnancy, the doctors weren’t able to stop what they deemed “active” labor. Larissa was born at 7:47 p.m., tiny but screaming. Things weren’t as easy for Logan.
They had to do an emergency C-section to get Logan out as his heart stopped. He was born 49 minutes later than his twin.
As Akron Childrens NICU team whisked him away to the adjoining OR, I didnt hear any cries. All I saw was my lifeless son. But I could hear his sisters cries as she was cared for by her NICU team.
Thankfully, both babies made it and were stabilized for transport to Akron Childrens.
My first visit to Children’s NICU was early the next morning (the birth hospital gave me a pass to go see my babies). I was overwhelmed by the amount of support and care given by the staff. My twins were in the best place possible.
I met the nurses assigned to each baby as well as their NICU doctor. A social worker met with our family. She explained to my other young children about some of the sights and sounds we would encounter during our NICU visits.
Originally the twins were to stay approximately 12 weeks. Thanks to the amazing care and lots of faith, Larissa came home the day they turned a month old and Logan was released 5 days later.
We had ups and downs during those early days. A lot of tears combined with a lot of smiles and laughs. We became like a giant family with the nurses. Not only did they do their best for the twins, but they did their best for me.
There were times a nurse went and got me lunch on her break because she knew I’d not had a bite to eat all day. I will forever be indebted to Akron Children’s.
A special shout-out to a NICU nurse named Amelia Smith. I still remember her compassion, not only for Logan and Larissa, but for every baby and family she met.
Today, Larissa and Logan are happy, healthy and amazing 19 year olds. They graduated from Honaker High School in Virginia ranked 5th and 7th with A averages. They’re also self-taught musical geniuses. I am so grateful for the care they received.
Thank you Akron Children’s for making a difference! Happy 125th birthday!
As part of our year-long anniversary celebration, well be telling the story of Akron Childrens through the eyes of past and present employees, doctors, donors, volunteers and patient families. We encourage you to share your own memories and stories about us.