Ava and Dane were born at 28 weeks and spent several months in the NICU at Boone Hospital. Ava weighed 2 pounds, 12 ounces, and Dane weighed 1 pound, 8 ounces at birth. Dane was so small               the biggest question was simply when they would be big enough and strong enough to come home. Seeing them surrounded by monitors, wires, feeding tubes, and breathing support was emotional and overwhelming at times, because as a parent, you just want to be able to hold your babies and bring them home safely.


Daily trips were made to Boone Hospital to be with them, and


over time, the nurses and doctors truly became like family to us. Dr. O’Connor and Dr. O’ Gorman were especially encouraging and took time to explain what was happening with their growth and develop- mental status. They reassured us that although Ava and Dane would likely be smaller than their peers early on, they expected them to grow and eventually catch up.


Early on, Dane had a few more bumps in the road than Ava. Be- fore he was able to come home, he was transferred to Children’s Hospital for inguinal surgery, and about a year after we were home, we learned he also needed an ASD heart repair at Cardinal Glennon. 


us how strong and resilient he was even as a baby. As a speech-language pathologist, I was very aware of feeding, swallowing, language, and cognitive developmental milestones, so I paid close attention to those areas as they grew. Our strength during that time really came from faith, prayer, and staying optimistic.


“WE TRULY BELIEVE AVA AND DANE ARE miracles from God.”


We truly believe Ava and Dane are miracles from God. Ava was able to come home about a month before Dane because of her weight and health progress, which made that stretch espe- cially emotional while we waited for him to be ready to come home, too. Even now, I still think about those early days often. Looking at them today as healthy, active seniors makes that time feel even more meaningful and reminds me just how far they’ve come. Twin state championships were never a thought through the years for Justin and Sarah. Just the chance to live and play was victory. “With their tough start in life, I was just grateful they were with us and growing into healthy kids,” said Justin. “Seeing them both 


Show-Me Sports /// 31


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