Always believe a miracle is about to happen.   Where there is a heartbeat... there is always hope.  This was my daily mantra. 

At only 9 weeks pregnant, we were told Peter and Maurice, our identical twin boys, would likely not survive.  They had a condition called Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) a rare disease of the placenta that causes an unequal sharing of blood and nutrients between the two babies, usually resulting in the death of one or both twins.  

We never gave up and did our own research.  Endless searching brought us to the Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome Foundation and then to our hero, Dr. Ruben Quintero, and the Fetal Institute of Miami.  Dr.  Quintero developed all of the necessary tools, instruments, and surgical techniques that saved our son's lives.  

He operated on them while we were still pregnant.  We delivered them at 28 weeks naming them after my father, Maurice, and my father-in-law Peter, our guardian angel,  who passed away shortly after we found out we were pregnant.  Weighing barely a pound each, we then started our NICU, still not knowing what our future look like.  Along with their prematurity and extremely low dry weight, the boys were born in heart and kidney failure due to TTTS.  

The NICU journey is an experience like no other.  It breaks you into pieces and transforms you into a stronger more grateful and powerful version of yourself.  I promised my babies as long they would fight to survive... I would never give up hope.  After almost 100 days they came home. 

We had every therapy imaginable; physical therapy, occupational therapy... doctor visits, and therapists were a part of our daily life.  We were told they may never walk, may never be able to talk, or survive without daily medications.  Through it all, I always envisioned them strong and healthy.  Living life like they do today.  

Although born in June, September, was their "real" due date and this year when they would have officially turned three. They no longer take any medication or spend their days at home waiting for therapy sessions. They breathe on their own, walk, run go to school and even play soccer.  I see the world differently because of them.  Once you are able to witness a miracle, everything becomes one.  The smallest events become celebrations and life becomes a gift. Not a day goes by that I don't give thanks to the Team that saved their life.  

PORTRAITS WITH A PURPOSE

Is a nonprofit off-shoot of the Jenna Elizabeth Studios brand where we capture raw and emotional stories of women and children in an impactful way.

Finding the beauty underneath the pain.