Why We Ride

Benny & Gracie were supposed to be born 4 years ago in April 2004; instead they were born 3 months early, January 11, 2004. Even so, we feel so incredibly lucky... they were initially part of triplets, but we lost one during the first trimester. Later at just 25 weeks gestation, Ben’s water broke. In the hospital on bed rest I received surfactant injections to assist in the development of the babies lungs. Both Tim and I wholeheartedly believe that it was through these drugs and other life saving techniques developed with the help of the March of Dimes that I was able to stave off labor a precious, life-altering and perhaps even life-saving, 2 weeks.  
 
Gracie was born at 1 pound 15 ounces; she was on the respirator for 5 days and oxygen until she was 6 months old. Benny born at 2 pounds 2 ounces was on the respirator for much longer almost 2 weeks and remained on oxygen until he was almost 10 months old. Both received blood transfusions, were severely jaundiced, had PDA’s and endured numerous eye exams and brain scans to monitor possible bleeding in the brain. In addition, Benny was diagnosed with ROP and was closely monitored for retinal detachment. Following approximately 75 days in the NICU they were discharged and we brought them home with oxygen and various hospital monitors, but we got to bring them home! 

2005 brought us unexpected hospitalizations for dehydration and various cardiology appointments for 2 holes in Gracie’s heart that despite medication in the NICU failed to close. We learned that there was no other remedy and surgery was needed. We continued eye exams and Benny got his first glasses. Due to their extreme prematurity and lingering health issues during RSV season they were also required to get monthly synagis injections. 

2006 brought more challenges for us; Gracie was hospitalized twice - in addition to our many specialist visits to Children's Hospital. It was RSV in the spring, despite her continued synagis injections; heart surgery in early summer; and her first set of ear tubes at the end of the summer. She has bounced back from everything, but now calls CHMC "her" hospital.  

2007 was Benny’s year for medical excitement. He had his first full blown asthma attack from which Children’s Hospital Urgent care could not get him to recover and got to ride to the hospital in an ambulance. He required admission and now we have had allergy testing and have developed an asthma protocol. He must do the nebulizer treatments were doing occasionally every morning to keep his lungs as strong as possible. The doctor has ruled out allergies and believes that he either has stage-one asthma or has lingering issues from his extreme prematurity. Gracie had to get her second set of tubes and an adenoidectomy, but at least that was outpatient!

Despite our difficulties we continue to count our blessings – we have our beautiful babies. Tim and I recognize every single day how lucky we are to have them in our lives, we know many families struggle with so much more. Though the twins continue to have challenges stemming from their extreme prematurity, we are so amazed at how far they’ve come. Their preschool teachers consider them typical students. We are so proud of them and so thankful to all who have helped them get this far. We couldn’t have done it alone.  
 
Did you know that premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death in the first month of life? It affects half a million babies a year in the United States. Those who survive often have lifelong health problems. Premature births are on the rise -- up to 30% since 1981. 
 
That is why I am asking you to support the March of Dimes. Benny and Gracie were born extremely premature at an extremely low birth weight and not just because they are twins!  
 
Premature birth can happen to ANY pregnant woman. In nearly half the cases, like ours, the causes are unknown. The March of Dimes is leading the way to find answers by supporting research into the causes of premature birth. We are joining the fight, and so can you. 
 
Your support helps fund: 
-Research into stress and other factors that may trigger preterm labor. 
-Programs to educate pregnant women to recognize the warning signs of preterm labor. 
-Tools to help health care providers find better ways to detect women who may be at risk for preterm labor. 
 
Please join in and help fight prematurity! This is our chance to give another family the same blessing that we enjoy every day.  
 
Thank you for reading our story, please forward it on to others, and sponsor us in the Ride that saves babies! 

Thank You! 
Audrey, Tim, Benny & Gracie Gerbus