Mackay parents Jessica and Cameron Marller have spent 124 nights at Ronald McDonald House Townsville, while their twins, Alexander and William received medical treatment in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Townsville University Hospital.
“Our story begins with a routine check-up with specialist Doctor Watson at Townsville University Hospital on the 16th of December 2022.
“I was 26 weeks and three days pregnant with Monochorionic (MCDA) identical twin boys,” Jessica said.
“The ultrasound revealed that Twin A had Intrauterine growth restriction and I also had a shortened cervix.”
Jessica was admitted to hospital, expecting a few nights stay, but another surprise was underway.
“I spent Friday night in the hospital, then on Saturday morning at 4 am, Twin A's water broke much to my surprise.
“We thought it was ‘go time’, but Doctors were able to slow it down, so I could get two steroid shots to further the twin's lung development,” Jessica said.
Jessica had another ultrasound on Sunday and was asked if she was ready to deliver the babies that day.
“Things had progressed, and concern was growing for Twin A. I was open to the idea and only wanted the best possible outcome for the babies and myself,” Jessica said.
“I was whisked away to get an emergency c-section. The twins were born at 10:30 am and 10:32 am that day.”
Immediately after the birth, the twins were admitted into the NICU due to their extreme prematurity, however four days later, Twin A, Alexander needed bowel surgery, due to Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
“This was a harrowing experience for my husband and me,” Jessica reflected.
“He would need a stoma bag which was eventually reversed before we came home.
“This was the start of our journey through NICU and then eventually the Special Care Unit at the hospital.”
Ronald McDonald House Townsville opened their doors to the couple, while their twins remained in the NICU.
“It was nice to have our own room and shared kitchen to prepare food.
“Also, the open pantry and fridge with readymade meals were a godsend when we were too exhausted to cook.”
“We met lots of people during our 124-night stay at Ronald McDonald House. It was nice to talk to other parents who had bubs up at the hospital and support each other along the way.
The family returned to Mackay in April, after staying at the Ronald McDonald House for 124 nights.
“Our boys Alexander and William are doing well and growing every day,” Jessica updated.
Cameron, Jessica, Alexander and William, in NICU in Townsville University Hospital
Going home after 124 nights. Photos supplied
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