2 minute read • Mater Prize Home, Prize Home Lottery, Mater Lotteries, Patient Stories
Lucas and Bailey's Story
Parents James and Casey were beyond excited with the news they were expecting the seventh and eighth additions to their family in mid-2023, with identical twin boys.
However, their journey was far from smooth.
In utero, the twins were diagnosed with dual conditions—Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) and Twin Anaemia Polycythaemia Sequence (TAPS), conditions that can affect identical twins when they share one placenta and share blood unequally.
“It’s been a real rollercoaster,” Dad, James reflects. “When they were in utero, there was a lot of fear because we didn’t know if our babies were going to be OK.”
Due to the complexity of their condition, the family were referred to Dr Glenn Gardener, Director of Maternal Fetal Medicine at Mater Mothers' Hospital.
Dr Gardener recalls, “For Lucas and Bailey, when we went in to do a laser surgery to correct the conditions, we found that the arrangement of their blood vessels meant that we were likely to lose one of the babies if we proceeded.
We were then faced with a difficult decision to make—whether we go ahead with the laser or plan the delivery for two 27-weekers”.
James said, “That’s something that no parent wants to hear”.
James, Casey and a team of Mater specialists prepared for the boys to be delivered by emergency caesarean section. Mum, Casey said,
“It was just about getting the children out and trying to save both their lives”.
Born at 27 weeks gestation, Bailey weighed 994 grams, and Lucas just 740 grams.
After birth, the boys were immediately rushed to Mater Mothers’ Neonatal Critical Care Unit, where they spent a combined total of 165 days.
“Throughout each experience we were very lucky to have the staff, the knowledge and the equipment to help both the boys,” Casey said.
“Seeing [the boys] now and watching them overcome challenges—and there are still a few more to go—I’m so happy to be a parent of two little fighters,” says James.
Every Mater Prize Home ticket you purchase is helping to give our tiniest patients, like Lucas and Bailey, the best possible start to life. Thank you.
We would love to hear from you
We would love to know what you think about Mater Lotteries!
Buy tickets by phone
1800 067 066
All times displayed in your local timezone unless stated otherwise. Mater Foundation Ltd as trustee for Mater Foundation is registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. ABN 96723184640. All prices are displayed in AUD.
