Suffering loss and at the same time hoping for my surviving twin daughter born at 24 weeks to continue to grow strong and thrive was no doubt traumatic. The only thing I knew I could provide despite feeling helpless was providing her with my breastmilk and skin to skin time.

Because of the rate at which she was growing mixed with the stress of going to the NICU every day (fun fact, I saved all the visitor stickers in the journal I kept to write notes and info when talking to all the specialists and nurses to share with her when she gets older), my milk supply ran low. My husband and I agreed to let the hospital provide donor milk to our daughter to keep the supply of breast milk coming. I am so truly grateful for that provision as it put me at ease to know she is getting all the nutrients she needs to get stronger to withstand the numerous tests and procedures that she had to go through.

As of today, she has graduated from many of her diagnoses, in preschool, and just as strong willed and resilient as she was in the NICU. 

I am proud to have provided lifesaving milk to my other two children as well who are just as strong and resilient as their sister. I'm truly grateful for my support system and I can say that The Milk Bank was part of that system during the times it mattered the most! 

I want as many babies as possible to have the same opportunity to receive the liquid gold that saves lives. Please join me in this campaign to raise funds and awareness to continue to progress in these efforts.