MOST Memorial Page

SHARING IN HOPE

Brother, a Triplet, Led By Example

Posted April 25, 2008

The tight-knit France family was dealt an unexpected blow last week. Gerald L. France, 57, died Thursday at his home just after making a business-related phone call. France was a triplet and had younger twin sisters, all of whom were involved at some time in their father's plumbing business, France Sales & Service in Schofield.

Gerald was the middle triplet and good for pulling pranks, his father, Elmer said. "He was the most easygoing one of them," he said. At age 15, the triplets lost their mother and were left to care for their younger twin sisters, Lois and Lori. "We went from teenagers to young adults very fast," said Gary France, one of the triplets. "We needed each other."

Gary France said he'll never forget his brother's advice about always following through on challenges. "He accepted all the challenges he was dealt," Gary said. "We did have our own lives. .... but there was something very strong between us."

Devoted Mother of Triplets Dies

Posted February 25, 2008

Helena Kemp passed away suddenly the morning of 2/21/08 from a aneurysm. Helena was a recent widow, MOST member, and dedicated MOST volunteer: the Moderator of the MOST Family Single Parent Forum and a member of our Special Family and School age forums.

Helena was an articulate and steadfast advocate for her children and all babies born preterm. She supported many, many MOST families in the six years as a member of MOST. Her children Madison, Zoe, and Jonathan were born early at 28 weeks, and she was raising her triplets after the tragic death of her beloved husband Andrew just two years ago.

Please keep Helena's precious children in your thoughts as they struggle to move on after the loss of both of their partents.

See Helena's blog
Read Helena's Obituary

One-Year-Old Triplet Passes Away

Posted February 21, 2008

Zoe Sorrells, triplet sister to Avery and Lily died from complications of pneumonia. Keira and Richard Sorrells are parents of the former 25 weekers who turned 1 in December. Here is a description of Zoe from her mother's blog:

"I truly believe she is an angel and I am blessed to be the mother of this angel. Despite everything she endured, she always and I do mean always, woke up with a smile on her face. She touched everyone who met her, one of those smiles would win you over in a mere second and make you long for those grins and giggles. It is like she knew she was here for a purpose and that purpose was to give small parts of herself to live on in the hearts of all she touched."

Please keep this family in your thoughts.

See the Sorrells Family blog
Read Zoe's Obituary

Father of Triplets Passes Away in Pakistan

Posted January 31, 2008

Keith Ryan father of 8 year old triplets, apparently took his life according to the US State Department, and was found yesterday in his Islamabad residence. Mr. Ryan was an attaché for the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, based in Islamabad.  His political convictions brought Mr. Ryan into a career of federal service.

"As anyone who has been confronted with the suicide of a family member can tell you, the only word to describe the sensation is devastated," Bob Ryan said. "We will always have questions."  In addition to his triplet, Mr. Ryan also leaves behind his wife Kate Moriarty, and his mother and father. Read more about Keith Ryan.

Sextuplets Pass Away After Preterm Birth

Posted January 11, 2008

Mandi and Eric Jarvis of Excelsior Springs. MO are mourning the loss of their much anticipated sextuplets. Mandi was hospitalized in December and went into labor several weeks later at 21 weeks. Three of the sextuplets were born on Sunday January 6, 2008 and the remaining three were born 3 days later on January 9th. All six have passed away as a result of their extremely premature birth. The memory of these precious babies, will be held tenderly in the hearts of their parents. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers as they greive the loss of their 6 beautiful children. Read more about the Jarvis family.

6-year-old Triplet is Killed on Christmas Eve

Posted January 3, 2008

Parker Munavalli was one of three triplets inside a vehicle that was rear-ended shortly before Christmas. He died in the crash. His parents, Sanjay and Michelle, and daughter Reagan are still stiff and bruised, and their other daughter, McKenna, had a fractured jaw and needed surgery.

Parker’s parents are trying to cope with such a deep loss, pain from the accident, and explaining such a tragic event to two young girls who just lost their brother.

Please keep this family in your prayers as they recover from this horrible accident and grieve the loss of their son.

Michigan Mother Passes Away Following Delivery of Triplets

Posted January 3, 2008

Tina Hagenbuch died on December 18, 2007 during her C-Section surgery to deliver triplets Tegan, Rowen and Trinity. Tina was also the mother of two older daughters and the wife of Jeff Hagenbuch. Although the triplets are doing well, Tina’s death has been a difficult loss for the family.

Services were held at Langeland Family Funeral Home.

Donations can be made to:  Tina M. Hagenbuch Memorial Fund, c/o Consumers Credit Union, 5940 Gull Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49048.

Tucson Mother Passes Away, Leaving Husband and Newborn Triplets

Posted January 3, 2008

Shortly after giving birth to triplet boys, Legend, Tristian and Jaisyn six weeks prematurely, Debra Smith tragically passed away from complications during delivery.  Debra’s husband Andrue is now struggling to cope with the loss of his wife and raising his newborn sons on his own. 

Andure says, "It's going to be hard, very hard.  I can't imagine a life without her. Absolutely anything anybody can help out with or contribute, I'd be very happy to accept anything.  I've got my babies, my three boys to worry about, and that's what's keeping me strong."

Read more about the Smith family: http://kvoa.com/Global/story.asp?S=7462568&nav=HM06

A memorial fund has been set-up if you'd like to donate. Visit any Wells Fargo Bank and donate to the Debra L. Smith Family Memorial Fund.  Checks can be mailed to the Debra L. Smith Family Memorial Fund c/o Wells Fargo, 2825 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson AZ, 85719.

One of the Baker Quintuplets Passes Away

Posted January 3, 2008

In October, Lori and Tim Baker became the parents of the first quintuplets born in West Virginia. While still in the NICU, the first born of the 5 babies, Kailee Jo, passed away. Kailee will be dearly missed by her mother and father, her quintuplet brothers and sisters, Chloe, Hunter, Aiden and Emma, and her big sister Whitney. A funeral was held at the Freeman Funeral Home in Chapmanville.

Baby Elyse Loses Battle

Posted December 10, 2007

Elyse, born the eldest of triplet sisters, 8 months old has lost her battle with a rare disease HLH has died.  Her parents say she moved the hearts and minds of people around the world before being called back to our heavenly father's side on October 6, 2007.

She accomplished more in her 8 months of life than most people can dream of doing in a lifetime. She fought with the heart of a warrior princess, but lost the fight to, a rare blood disorder 18 days into her bone marrow transplant. Read more about Elyse Yu >>

See Elyse’s Website>>

Mother and Triplet Daughter Die in Auto Accident

Posted December 5, 2007

Terra Thomas, the head of a human resource organization in Chicago, and her triplet daughter were killed in an accident on the Indiana Tollway on October 12, 2007 near the Ohio border. Terra was driving with her triplets shen she and her daughter Nia were killed. Nia's triple brothers, who were also in the car, suffered minor injuries and have been treated and released from an Indiana hospital. Read more about the Thomas family>>

Triplet Dies in Tragic Accident

Posted November 6, 2007

Thursday, Brett & Jenny Horn experienced the unimaginable. One of their triplets was accidentally killed by a dresser. Their son Charlie awoke a bit early from his nap time, and had gone to get his glasses when his dresser somehow tipped and this awful tragedy occurred. Charlie was 2 1/2 and leaves behind, big brother: Jack, and triplet brother & sister, Will & Brigit.

This tragedy has left many speechless and stricken with grief.  His parents have been bravely educating the public with ways to prevent this tragedy from happening to another family, so we are sharing these two links:

Video interview with Charlie's parents and story on common household hazards

Consumer Product Safety Commission

Two Identical Quadruplets Pass Away

Posted November 6, 2007

Kelli and Jason Medders’ identical quadruplets were born on November 4th.  Back in October, Kelli underwent a rare operation to correct a disorder called twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, which involves blood flow problems. One of the babies died at that time.

Their 3 quadruplet daughters were born prematurely at 24 weeks, unfortunately one of them was too small to survive.  Their survivors are named Berkley Claire and Callie Ranelle.

Jason Medders wrote on the Medders family web site that the two surviving girls were in stable condition after the birth.

Quintuplets Born in Pakistan All Pass Away

Posted October 12, 2007

The quintuplets born to Imrana and Abdul Qayyum at a Nishtar Hospital in Multan Pakistan have all died. The quintuplets, three boys and two girls, were born at 25 weeks gestation. One boy was stillborn during the premature delivery, while three others died later the same day. The last baby, passed away on Monday September 24th. Please keep this family in your thoughts.

Family Shares Joy and Sorrow with the Birth of Sextuplets

Posted on September 25, 2007

Gracie Soldani, who was expecting sextuplets, underwent an emergency c-section on September 12th after her kidneys started to fail, but only three babies have survived. The babies arrived at 29 4/7 weeks with two boys and a girl surviving as well as three girls stillborn. Each baby weighed between 2 and a half and 3 pounds. Bruno Carlo, Santino Arries and Lucia Alessandra are the names of the surviving children. Joely Clover, Bailey Layne and Briana Grace are the names of the babies who died. Brian and Gracie posted the following message on their blog:

"Mommy and Poppasawn love you very very much and please know that we will be with you 3 always as you will be with us in our hearts and in our dreams. We love you very very very much. Goodnight our sweethearts."

As stated in an interview with Gracie: "Last night was the first night home and it's more real that three have passed and three are here. I have to think of the positive. I could have lost all of them if the doctor had not gotten them out as quickly as he did."

The Soldani's hope to have their children home by November 25: just in time for Thanksgiving. See the Soldani Family's website to offer your support>>

Author and Beloved Mother of Triplets Passes Away

Posted on August 10, 2007

Dorothy McCrystal Ferguson, former president of the Chicago Chapter of Mothers of Triplets Club, author of the book Our Triplets, and mother of triplet boys passed away Friday, July 20, in Arkansas at 92 years old. See more about the life of Dorothy Ferguson.

Sextuplet Family Needs Prayers

Posted on June 19, 2007

On June 11, 2007 Ryan and Brianna Morrison of St. Louis Park, Minnesota become the parents of six beautiful babies. The sextuplets were born prematurely at 22 weeks, and the family is grieving the loss of some of their precious children and praying for the health of the infants who remain in critical condition in the NICU. We ask that you please keep this special family in your prayers as they mourn the loss of their beloved babies.

August 10, 2007 update: 5 of the 6 Morrison sextuplets (Tryg, Bennet, Lincoln, Cadence, and Lucia Morrison) have passed away. Only one surviving son, Sylas Christopher, remains in critical condition at Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis. Please keep this family in your prayers as they grieve the loss of their 5 precious babies and continue to pray for the health of their remaining son.

December 5, 2007 update: Sylas Morrison, the sole surviving sextuplet, is now home with his parents. His parents have truly appreciated the support of all the family members, friends, and strangers who have offered their support to their family during this difficult time. Read an interview with mom Brianna>>

Triplets Lose a Younger Sibling

Posted on April 17, 2007

Lori's Couvaris' triplet pregnancy was very uneventful, delivering three healthy boys at 34 weeks! Her subsequent pregnancy was not quite as smooth, and her son, Kyle, was born at 28 weeks after Lori developed HELLP syndrome. Although born very early, Kyle did amazingly well in the NICU and sailed through with no major setbacks. Over the last 5 months, he continued to grow and thrive and appeared to have escaped most of the significant issues experienced by preemies. Kyle recently developed a fever from a bacterial infection and within 3 days Kyle died. The infection was more than his little body could handle. Kyle's triplet brothers will be 9 years old next month and Kyle was 6 months old on 4/13. Lori has been an active member of the More than Most local support group for many years. Lori, Peter and their entire family are completely devastated, so please keep this family in your prayers.

A wake for Kyle is being held on Tuesday, 4/17 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at:

Scmitts Funeral Home in Seaford

(516) 785-3380

3863 Merrick Rd

Seaford, NY 11783

The funeral will be on Wednesday at  St. William the Abbot RC Church in Seaford. The family  has asked that in lieu of flowers, please send donations to the NICU at Winthrop Hospital.

If you would like to send your condolences to the Couvaris family, please email MOST and we will do our best to pass along your message of support. You can also make a donation in Kyle's memory to MOST. 

City Worker, Father of Quadruplets Dies at 52
Posted on March 16, 2007
Chicago, Illinios - On Monday morning, the doting father died at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park after short bout with pancreatic cancer. He was 52. Mr. Clancy's work schedule allowed him to spend quality time with his children. Mr Clancy devoted himself to their different activities, taking them to sporting events and serving as a coach. "He would give up anything to go to one of their events." Nancy Clancy said. In addition to his wife, Mr. Clancy is survived by his three sons, Patrick, Daniel, and Matthew and daughter Caitlin.

Pioneering Alaska Lawyer Mahala Ashley Dickerson dies at 94
Posted on February 28, 2007
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Mahala Ashley Dickerson, Alaska's first black lawyer, died Monday at her family homestead in Wasilla after a short illness. She was 94.

Dickerson, who was raised in the South before the era of civil rights, blazed a trail for black women in the world of law. Aside from her accomplishments in Alaska, she became the first female attorney in her home state of Alabama in 1948 and the second black woman admitted to the bar in Indiana in 1951. She was also the first black homesteader in the Mat-Su region of Alaska.

Dickerson had a reputation as an advocate for the poor and underprivileged. She argued many cases involving racial and gender discrimination, taking on the Anchorage Police Department and the University of Alaska, among other institutions.

Dickerson grew up in Alabama on a plantation owned by her father. She attended a private school, Miss White's School, where she began a lifelong friendship with Rosa Parks, who would become a hero of the civil rights movement.

Dickerson graduated from Fisk University in 1935, married Henry Dickerson and had triplets, Alfred, John and Chris. She later divorced, and when the boys were 6, she went to Howard University School of Law, becoming one of four women to graduate in her class of `36. After working as an attorney in Alabama and Indiana, she moved to Alaska with her sons, where she homesteaded.

"I didn't know a single person, and there were very few black people in Alaska then, but everyone welcomed me, white and black alike," she said in a 2001 interview.

Dickerson opened her law practice in Anchorage in 1959, and her name is still on the answering machine, along with that of her long-time law partner, Johnny Gibbons. In 1995, she was awarded the Margaret Brent Award from the American Bar Association, an honor also given to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sandra Day O'Connor, a justice of the nation's top court who has since retired. Dickerson wrote a book about her life, "Delayed Justice for Sale," in 1998. She continued to practice law until she was 91.

In addition to encouraging Butler to practice in Anchorage, she was a mentor to many other young attorneys, Butler said.Dickerson often took clients who didn't have the means to pay, said Leroy Barker, the historian for the Alaska State Bar Association, who practiced law with Dickerson in the 1960s.

"Once you know her story, especially as an African-American woman, you know that you are able to achieve anything," Hodge said.Dickerson will be buried on her land near her son, Alfred, who died in 1960. Sons John and Chris planned to attend a private Quaker graveside service Wednesday. A memorial will be held at a later date.

Florida storm claims 3 lives; parents of 15 year old triplets and one of the triplets. 

Posted on Wednesday, February 6, 2007

Friday, February 2nd. David Downing, 15, and parents Donald, 46, and Carla, 35, died after a tornado swept across Cooter Pond Road and demolished their home. Another of the triplets, Heather, was injured, and her condition was unknown.

The third triplet, Kayla, escaped the wrath of the storm because she spent the night nearby at an aunt's home.

Many MOST members have inquired about how to reach out to the girls. 

• Friends or MOST members may make a donation to MOST in memory of one of the victims.
• Or send a monetary donation for the Downing family: First Baptist Church of Paisley, Attn: Pastor Roszak, P.O. Box 98, Paisley FL 32767. (Attach a note within stating the donation was for the Downing family.) Pastor Roszak has said anything would be greatly appreciated, as his entire community has been destroyed and many people are going without.

Full story

The passing of Jacob Thomas Duckworth - June 12, 2006
Posted on Thursday, July 6, 2006
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Jacob Duckworth on June 12, 2006. Jacob was diagnosed with adrenocortical carcinoma at the age of 3, a very rare form of cancer. He is survived by his triplet brothers Brandon and Devin and big brother Kyle. Please keep this precious family in your prayers.

Jacob's CaringBridge Site

Jane Dwyer Glass, 85, one of famed Valentine triplets
Posted on Thursday, July 6, 2006
Jane Dwyer Glass, one of the famed St. Paul Valentine triplets of 1921, died Wednesday at United Hospital of acute respiratory distress syndrome. She was 85. ...

Twin Cities Article

My triplets came back to me
Posted on Thursday, July 6, 2006
Margaret Oganda shares the beautiful story of one woman's journey to motherhood which brought her face to face with tragedy and triumph...

In Memory of Robie Masterson
Posted on Friday, November 4, 2005
To all the friends of Robie Masterson and his Family,

As most all of you are aware Friday, November 4th marks the year
anniversary that little Robie Masterson was born into heaven. This week has been particularly hard for the family and I am sure many of you have been keeping them close in your thoughts. I am also sure many of you are struggling with "What should we do for them tomorrow, should I stop by, should I call, should I send something?" all knowing that nothing will ease their pain. I too do not know the right answer and have been struggling with this question. I really do not think the Masterson family knows at this point what they want or need from their friends.

Their is no right or wrong answer and I am sure what ever it is each one of you decide to do it will be the right thing, BUT .....I thought we could all be their for the Masterson family in spirit . At 8:00 p.m. Friday evening light a candle with your family or alone if you choose and place it on your front step and take a quiet minute or two to remember Robie and the Masterson family. Keep them close to your thoughts and heart these next couple of days.

Regards,

Kathleen Gagg

Foundation Promotes Awareness To Save Lives
Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005
In memory of Robie Masterson.
Written by Laurie Gordon; Submitted by Debbie Lustberg.

Imagine your nearly four-year-old son coming in to your room and saying "I don't feel good." Imagine him telling you he feels full, but he hasn't eaten yet. And then imagine, while comforting him, watching him go into a seizure. Then...paramedics come to try and save him and he never makes it to the hospital alive. That's what happened to Debra Masterson this past November 4th.

Her son, Robie, who was part of a set of triplets, died from complications from something called PDA (Patent Ductus Ateriousus) also known as a heart mur-mur. Robie, and his sisters Sophia and Grace, were born 10-weeks prematurely. Robie and Sophia both had PDA at birth which was diagnosed at the time with an echocardiogram. Sophia was given Endocrin, which helps close the PDA, and it worked for her. Robie, on the other hand, had other complications. He was born with a level three brain bleed and, said his mother, "of all things to catch in the NICU, he caught a staph infection." This then became spinal meningitis. To the surprise of his doctors, all two pounds of him somehow overcame this and he survived and thrived.

Throughout his short life, Robie had his own cardiologist and other specialists to monitor his condition. All the while, the Mastersons expected Robie would need a procedure to close his PDA. When he was two years old, doctors told them his PDA was still too large, but he was too small for the procedure so they would have to wait until he was three. His three-year-old echocardiogram showed his PDA was "significantly smaller," and Debra Masterson said, "The doctor told us he did not need the surgery that it would probably close on its own. He would just need to take an antibiotic before going to the dentist." Unfortunately, that was not the case. "We knew there was a procedure to close the PDA, but when the doctor said it wasn't necessary, we figured he was the expert. Had we known that a child could die from it or complications from it, you can bet we would have had it closed in a heartbeat."

Though it's been just a few months since Robie's death, his parents have already had the strength to form The Robie Foundation. "In its most basic form, the goal of The Robie Foundation, based in Sparta, is to educate parents whose children have been similarly diagnosed. If we can spare even one family from what we are now experiencing, we'll have achieved this goal," said Debra Masterson.

Last week, in an ironic twist, The Robie Foundation helped one of its own ambassadors.
Kathleen Gagg, also of Sparta, met the Mastersons last September when her son, Bryan, started at The Hunter School, in Ogdensburg, at the same time as Robie and his sisters. "When Robie died in November, everyone who knew the family was devastated," Gagg said. "I knew I couldn't bring back Robie, but I wanted to do whatever I could to help in any way." When Gagg learned that the Mastersons were forming The Robie Foundation, she offered to help with special events. Through her real estate business and membership at Sparta Athletic Club, the race director of the annual Main Street 5-Kilometer Race, Andy Ball, learned of Gagg's involvement in The Robie Foundation and contacted her with an idea.

"He [Ball] had the idea that myself and others could run the race in April and ask individuals and businesses to sponsor us through pledges that would go to The Robie Foundation." Gagg had run one race before in her life four years ago and said, "I was excited to take on the challenge of completing a second three-point-one-mile run while raising funds for The Robie Foundation." The only problem was, Gagg had a been through a bad case of pneumonia during the holidays and knew getting in shape might be a challenge. "It's harder given that I was sick," she said, "But I'm doing the best I can to walk for now and very soon, I'll run and walk then hopefully be able to run the whole thing on April 23rd." Gagg's husband, Mike, has been very encouraging of her mission as have her children, Brooke (age two), Bryan (age four) and now especially, Brianne (age 9).

For some time now, on and off, Brianne Gagg has been complaining if shortness of breath and a feeling that her heart was racing. "Kids often have a hard time describing how they're feeling so I had attributed it to some sort of asthma," Kathleeen Gagg said. "She [Brianne] is a very active kid, and recently started practicing for travel softball. When that started, her complaints of these symptoms increased." Gagg planned to get her to a cardiologist for an echocardiogram. "Then, I started thinking about what the Mastersons had been through with Robie, and suddenly realized I needed to get my daughter in immediately to find out what was going on."

Last Wednesday, Brianne Gagg was diagnosed with Patent Ductus Ateriousus: the same condition with which Robie Masterson had been afflicted. The chances of Kathleen Gagg being the first one the Robie Foundation helped, through its mission of education and awareness, were one in a million. "I believe that people come together for a reason," Gagg said. "Circumstances happen for a reason and if it weren't for Debra Masterson and The Robie Foundation, I wouldn't have questioned and followed up on my child's complaints as I did. I wouldn't have been as pro-active."

Because Gagg was pro-active and had the condition diagnosed, Brianne Gagg is now scheduled to undergo the procedure to correct her PDA at Columbia University Hospital.

If you want to help promote the mission of The Robie Foundation - educating parents whose children who have been diagnosed with Patent Ductus Ateriousus and promoting awareness about the condition - you can ask family, friends, co-workers, teachers and businesses to sponsor you with pledges and run in the April 23rd Main Street 5K. You can also choose to sponsor Kathleen Gagg. as she runs, with a pledge. To run for The Robie Foundation or make a pledge there to, call 973-592-3680 for information or visit The Robie Foundation. For information about The Main Street 5K, call Andy Ball at 973-739-9141 or visit

Laurie Gordon is The New Jersey Herald's Health and Fitness Columnist and an Olympic Trials qualifier. You can reach her at 973-383-7933.

Both Laurie Gordon and Andy Ball (also an Olympic Trials Qualifier) will be more than willing to give you training tips for The Main Street 5K if you so desire.

In Memory of Jacob Tyler Kijowksi
Posted on Tuesday, September 21, 2004
We love our son Jacob Tyler Kijowksi who was with us on October
17, 2003 for merely hours but in our hearts forever.
from Andy & Lisa Kijowski

Father of Hanson Triplets Dies
Posted on Wednesday, May 26, 2004
Scott Edward Hanson died suddenly on May 10, 2004. He is the father of triplets Kathleen, Sean and Heather, and older children Scott Andrew and Tiffany. One of the triplets, Sean, suffers from stage 3 neuroblastoma. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.

Family website

Cancer claims Roxborough principal, father of triplets
Posted on Friday, September 5, 2003
Marty Kiser was the strapping principal at Douglas County's Roxborough Elementary who in 2001 promised his students he'd wear a frilly lavender dress, high heels and curls if they read 8,000 books in one year. They did. So he did.
He was the playful father of 5-year-old triplets, the husband of a teacher and a high-spirited educator who believed anything is possible and inspired those around him to believe that, too.

Kiser, 36, died at Littleton Adventist Hospital on Wednesday. His imprint was so profound that when he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in July 2000, two school communities, the district administrators' group, a parents club and friends enveloped Kiser's family in a sheltering blanket of support.

Full article

It has been almost a year since my youngest son Coran was born into heaven.
Posted on Wednesday, August 20, 2003
We found out at about 10 weeks pregnant that we would be having triplets. A huge surprise considering that I had only taken one dose of 50mg Clomid to get pregnant. During a second u/s a couple of weeks later we found that we would be having 2 boys and a girl, but because the doctor found problems with the boys kidneys we were sent for a targetted ultrasound. We discovered during that u/s that baby C had Spina Bifida. The doctors kept a very close eye on all of us to ensure that baby C's birth defect would not compromise the other babies. I developed pre-eclampsia and pre-term labor at 32 weeks and was hospitalized until my water broke at 35 weeks. All three of our babies were born weighing over 5 pounds each and with healthy lungs. Kadian and Rylan came home at 10 days, but baby C, Coran stayed for 96 days. He had surgery to close his lesion, and place a shunt for hydrocephalus. Then he developed a shunt infection and needed external drains and high doses of IV antibiotics for several weeks. After one week of being home he developed another shunt failure and returned to the hospital for 5 weeks. The second time Coran came home he stayed for about 5 weeks and returned to the hospital for a Chiari decompression to alleviate the pressure in his brain that was causing him to be unable to breathe. During that surgery the neurosurgeon discovered that Coran's Chiari malformation was of the most severe type. Most babies with that degree of malformation do not live to be born and those that do are on ventilators. So, our little boy was a miracle in many ways. Because of his many medical problems, and the quality of the life he would have had, we chose not to keep Coran on a ventilator and brought him home. Coran was with us for another 7 weeks. Looking back I don't know how my husband and I cared for a 3 year old, and 3 infants, one who had to be g-tube fed, was on oxygen 24 hours a day, and took too many medications to count. But it is a time that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I think about Coran every day and I miss him terribly. I know that as I watch the other children grow up, I'll always wonder what might have been.

Thanks for letting me share a little of my Angel.
Dana

Response
Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2003
Your words hit home with me and I must respond. After the death of one of our quintuplets at 6 months of age I went into a depression that required medication to get through. I also attended counselling and only then realized how my grieving started way before the
death of our son. Unable to conceive on our own, going through the fertility clinic rollercoaster and then to be told "you are pregnant with five" was one grief put upon another. Then a difficult pregnancy far from home and our 3 year old daughter, the
holidays, and our five born "too soon" The grief continued to mount as people would say "I'm glad it's you and not me" or "God only gives you what you can handle" Ha! I believe you do what you have to. God listens to all those prayers but His answers aren't always what we want to hear. Long story short- it's been two and a half years since we walked into that fertility clinic. Life has changed dramatically. I live with grief and will for the rest of my life, but it doesn't consume me and if anything I hope it will make me a better person. I love my family and will care for them to the best of my ability through the
good and bad. My two cents- Collette

Loss of McDonald Triplets
Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2003
My husband David and I were expecting fraternal triplets this past June/July 2003. My due date was my birthday (August 12) but we knew the triplets would arrive much earlier. Our peri told us to expect their arrival between Father's day and the 4th of July, 2003.

We had been on the fertility roller coaster for a year and were thrilled last December when we found out we would be having an instant family - 2 boys and a girl on our first round of IVF.

We had a CVS done about 11 weeks to find out if there were any genetic abnormalities and thankfully there were none. The decision to go through the CVS was very difficult but in the end it was right for us.

My pregnancy was going by uneventfully until 20 weeks when I suddenly went into pre-term labor after I noticed a spot of dark blood on March 23rd. That day I was checked out by my peri and was told all was fine but he wanted me to come in again the next day for another follow-up (March 24). Subsequently after the second check-up, he sent me to Labor & Delivery to be monitored. There were no contractions being registered on the monitors I was hooked up to, just uterine irritability - minor menstrual-like cramps. They wanted to keep me overnight to watch me and gave me tocolytics to be on the safe side.

Unfortunately the meds did not help and our first son Kelson was in the vaginal canal soon after midnight. Unfortunately though the meds did not help and our first son Kelson was in the vaginal canal and had to be delivered a few hours later on March 25th.

Obviously this was heartbreaking because we knew he would not survive. After he was born, his placenta was not delivered and the other two babies did not follow as the doctors expected. This gave us some measure of hope that they would be able to save Jackson and Bailey.

The next 24 hours was crucial for three reasons. First, I was at a high risk of developing an infection (Kelson's umbilical cord was exposed during delivery but they cut it as close as they could before it went back into my uterus). Second, I was bleeding quite a bit after Kelson's delivery and they wanted to make sure it did not get out of control. And third, I was at risk of going into spontaneous labor again.

The odds were against us but we were hopeful that it none of these three things happened, the doctors would be able to put a cerclage in and save my other 2
babies for a few more weeks so that they could have a chance. We knew the odds were against us, but we were hoping for a miracle.

All was looking well and in fact the doctors were even getting optimistic! But 18 hours later, I developed a raging fever caused by a dangerous infection not only in my uterus, but systemically and was at risk of losing my own life.

I was not being rational and told my husband if they couldn't save the babies then they could forget about saving me. I refused the much needed antibiotics for several hours as my fever and the infection continued to spread.

My husband finally got through to me and said he couldn't lose the babies and me. So I consented to the drugs and the fact that labor had to be induced to save my life. And Jackson and Bailey were born a few hours later on March 26.

It was the most painful experience to have to deliver 3 babies knowing there is no chance for their survival. I am thankful for the doctors, nurses, social worker and pastoral staff who were there supporting us. They gave us as much time as we needed with our babies;
they had a professional photographer take many pictures of our babies separately, together and with us holding them, which they ultimately put into a lovely album. They gave us memory boxes with their vital stats and the chaplain had a special naming and blessing ceremony for each of our babies.

And even harder is that they don't know why I went into pre-term labor with my oldest son Kelson in the first place. I had no problems or warning signs and in fact had been checked out only a few days before everything fell apart. And to this day we don't know why, except for the fact I was carrying triplets, which is its own risk factor.

The percentage of triplet and quad pregnancies that do not make it to viable deliveries (24+ weeks) is 20-25%, although most of that happens in the first trimester. Second trimester loss before viability is lower. But when it happens to you the percentages are meaningless. They're absolute because it happened to you.

The small measure of comfort we had is that all 3 babies were born alive for about 2 hours each and we had time with them individually and separately. Additionally, each one of them weighed and measured in length as a singleton would have had at that gestational age. My doctors told me it was obvious I had taken excellent care of my babies and myself during my pregnancy.

We ultimately cremated the babies together but have not had the heart to scatter their ashes or hold a memorial ceremony. Perhaps we will on the first anniversary of their death.

The shock and numbing feeling gets easier as time passes but the pain is always with us and it's still hard to understand. The first holidays were excruciating (first mother's day, first father's day and the anticipated due dates). I guess this is the downside of multiple pregnancies that is not talked about as much, which makes it hard to find comfort and peace.

Thank you for reading my story. My love and best wished to all of you.

Mandy Chicago, IL

MOST Extends Heartfelt Sympathies to all Families who lost loved ones on Sat., Feb. 2, 2003
Posted on Tuesday, February 4, 2003
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to all of the families who lost a loved one this past Saturday, Feb.2, 2003, and to the entire extended NASA family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. The work you do on behalf of all Americans in the name of all mankind is to be truly respected and supported and we are so very, very proud of you as we grieve this tragic loss of your dear loved ones.

~Maureen Boyle

In today's Newsday (local Long Island, New York newspaper (His Dreams of Space Survive Tragedy) there is a short article about my son Patrick (one of the triplets) who wants very much to be an astronaut when he grows up. He has been in touch with one of MOST Dad's, Carlos Noriega (cover story vol 12#2, 2001), over the yrs. Carlos is an astronaut and was commander of the shuttle mission in Nov. 2000 which we were privileged to attend the launch as his guests. Carlos is also scheduled to be the commander of the January 2004 mission. He is also the Dad of 5 children including triplets who are in the 4th grade. His wife Wendy is one of our ACs and a wonderful and hardworking resource person for MOST in TX.

I spoke with Wendy and she shared that although to much of America the shuttle missions may have become somewhat everyday but to those involved in them and those who follow them there is nothing everyday about any one of them. Each one is a spectacular and heart stopping experience of which the wonder, awe, pride and fear is rivaled by so few other experiences in life. There is nothing everyday in any one of these missions.

America mourns for the loss of such dedicated, brave souls who helped our world expand.

The passing of Rebekah Ann Collins - January 7, 2003
Posted on Saturday, January 18, 2003
The passing of Rebekah Ann Collins was announced in the Kingwood Observer on Friday, January 17, 2003.



In 1998, Houston was blessed with the birth of sextuplets. One of the children, Christopher Collins, died at birth, and now, Rebekah Ann Collins, born November 11, 1998, blind and with cerebral palsy, passed away January 7, 2003 in Kingwood, Texas at four years of age. She was a beautiful, precious, little girl, perfect in the eyes of all who knew her. Her brothers and sisters adored Rebekah, and her older brother recently taught her to clap her hands and give the Indian "whoop" cry. Rebekah is survived by her parents, Christopher and Chris Collins of Kingwood; birth siblings Hannah, Faith, Jeremiah, and Noah
Collins; older brother JonChristopher Collins; maternal grandparents Wanda and Chuck Zimmerman of Danville, Illinois; and paternal grandparents Alice and Robert Collins of Pearland, Texas.

Funeral services were held Saturday, January 11, 2003 at Forest Cove Baptist Church in Kingwood, with the Rev. Mark Terry officiating. Rebekah was laid to rest beside her brother in Forest Park the Woodlands Cemetery. For those who would like to donate in memory of Rebekah, the family suggests making a contribution to:

United Cerebral Palsy Texas Gulf Coast, Inc.

1415 California St.

Houston, TX 77006;

or

Twinstuff Outreach

1614 Webster

Houston, TX 77003.

Unexpected passing of Susan Alice (Susie) Lustberg
Posted on Sunday, October 20, 2002
Prepared by Kristin Smith, MOST Member

Susie Lustberg
1/6/2001-9/29/2002


It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Susan Alice (Susie) Lustberg, due to complications of pneumonia, on September 29, 2002.

Susie was the triplet daughter of Debbie and Ed Lustberg of Allen, Texas. Susie and her siblings, Katie and Edward were born on January 6, 2000 at 27 weeks gestation. The triplets have an older sister Becky, she is 11 years old.

After the triplets' birth, it took many months for Susie to become stable enough to go home. When she was finally released from the hospital, Susie required a ventilator, a feeding tube and skilled nursing. The Lustberg family worked diligently to develop an organized routine of round-the-clock care to ensure that Susie would thrive with her siblings at home. Not only did Susie thrive but she developed into a cheerful, bright and beautiful little girl, a reflection of the devotion and care she received from her loving family.

Susie's mom, Debbie, volunteered to share the lessens they have learned and has worked over the past year in developing information for MOST families with a ventilator dependent child. The information is now complete and a wonderful article is in the Fall 2002 issue of SUPERTWINS magazine. Debbie graciously continues to offer support for our families with special medical needs.

We have learned a great deal from Susie and her family and hope to share this knowledge with other families caring for a ventilator-dependent child. Although Susie's life was brief, she accomplished much and left a lasting impression on all of us.

 

Updated 5/9/08