So, I know I've been pretty MIA from the twin community lately, but felt like this was definitely the time to try and get back into things, even if I just make a little post right now (been trying to get this all day :-p)
Today is much more than just another TwinTuesday... it is TTTS Awareness Day.
TTTS stands for Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome and, of course, this is a cause that I support a great deal. Honestly, I really don't know how or why we got so lucky, but both of our little girls somehow beat the odds and are TTTS survivors... despite the fact I was only made aware of the TTTS after they were born (almost 10 weeks early). They are now happy, healthy 5-year olds who are enjoying kindergarten and without fail, make me smile every day. Here's a photo I took a couple of days ago, of them in front of the Christmas tree (yes, Josie now wears glasses)! P.S. You might notice a "two snowflakes" theme going on in our tree :-p
Again, though, we were ridiculously lucky. They did have a few developmental delays, and I even suspect that Josie's vision problems might be a lasting affect of the TTTS... she was the "donor twin" and, while Anna was the one we almost lost at birth (she was the "recipient twin" and her cardiovascular system got overloaded), Josie is the one who had the most delays and developmental difficulties. Overall, though, they're great! They are doing awesome in school, they are bright, and happy, and funny as all get out! :-D
All too often, though, there are tragic consequences to TTTS: the loss of one or both babies. However, while there is no real cure for TTTS, there are treatments available that can, at least in some cases, increase the odds of survival. Of course, you have to know that it's there, before any treatment can be discussed. Which is why I urge all women who are pregnant with twins to have ultrasounds and, ask questions. Are there one or two placentas? What are the chances that this is an identical twin pregnancy (which is the type of twinning that can develop TTTS)? Not all identical twin pregnancies are affected by TTTS, but there are enough that it is something to keep an eye out for.
TTTS is not necessarily a death sentence... but, it can be. Today is about remembering those that were lost... celebrating those that survived... and, hope for the future: A future where there are, at least, less tragic victims of TTTS.
There is actually a candle vigil at http://worldtttsawarenessday.org/prayer.php where you can light virtual candles for your twins (whether they have been lost to TTTS or not... although, most do seem to be from those who lost one or both twins). There are now over 200 entries there... and, of course, that's only the tip of a very big iceberg. I haven't even been able to read them all. I get a couple in and I become overwhelmed with sadness. However, I did light my own candles for Anna and Josie, along with this prayer:
To Anna and Josie, I don't know how or why I got so lucky to have you in my life. It's hard for me to even think about how close I came to losing both of you. You two are absolutely the lights of my life and, I simply can't imagine my life without you (both of you). I cried the day I found out I was having twins. But, I cry now for all those who have been lost. I can't begin to understand that kind of pain. My heart goes out to all my fellow twin parents, whether or not your babies are still here on earth. I've prayed to my sister Sharon, who was born a year after me, and died when she was 2 months old, to look out for all these new angels in heaven.
OK, trying to dry the tears from my eyes... :-) Onto some fun stuff...
I've also been thinking about TTTS, because it's nearing the end of the year, and it's about time to total up the sales of my book "Two Snowflakes" for the year, so I can make a donation to the Fetal Hope Foundation. So far, this year, I've sold 81 copies and, I have pledged to donate a $1 for every copy sold, to help in the fight against TTTS!
However, TTTS Awareness Day was actually created by the TTTS Foundation and, in honor of that, I'm now pledging to donate an additional $1 for each sale of "Two Snowflakes" made in the month of December to the TTTS Foundation. So, not to make this too much of a sales pitch :-p But, not only does the book make a great gift, now $2 of your purchase actually goes toward the fight against TTTS!
Also, while I don't actually have a giveaway today, my friend Kristen at Life with Twins & Multiples has a great one going on right now! Click here for more info, and to enter her giveaway!
OK, I guess that's it for now... but, Happy TwinTuesday! And, will definitely try to be back with much more soon!!
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