Saving tiny lives

Steven and his wife Jess have recently celebrated a major milestone—the first birthdays of their twin daughters Bailey and Bella.

The twins were born on 30 April 2014 when, at just 24 weeks and four days gestation, Jess went in to premature labour. The terrified mum was rushed by ambulance from Toowoomba to Mater Mothers’ Hospital in Brisbane.

Bailey was born first; weighing just 670 grams, with Bella delivered four minutes later, weighing 710 grams.

Both girls faced an uphill battle—but their fighting spirit was evident from that first day. After an extensive 99 days in hospital, Steven and Jess were able to take older daughter Bailey home.

But the couple continued their daily trips to Brisbane to visit Bella.

Then, after 127 days, Steven and Jess walked out of the Neonatal Critical Care Unit (NCCU) for the last time.

Now 12 months old, the girls bring endless joy and happiness to their family.

“Bailey is thriving in every way and seems almost unstoppable! Sweet Bella is still doing it a little tough with re-occurring pneumonia and other infections, but takes it on with the biggest brightest smile,” Jess said.

“It’s wonderful to have them both home; I won’t complain about sleepless nights. I don’t think anyone would at this point.”

“We’ve been so lucky that our family and friends and my work made it easy for us to be with the girls when they needed us,” Steven added.

“I don’t even know what words to use to describe the staff at the Neonatal Critical Care Unit; they were amazing, fantastic,” Jess said.

If today is a normal day at Mater—72 babies will spend the night in Mater’s NCCU. Your support of the Mater Prize Home lottery helps give these Mater little miracles, like Bailey and Bella, the best possible start to life. Purchase your tickets  today.