Lauren Bond
Run 10K for TTTS
Fundraising for Twins Trust
Story
We found out we were expecting identical twins in December 2020. At our 12 week scan in January it was confirmed that they were MCDA, meaning they shared a placenta and were at risk of developing TTTS.
TTTS is a rare condition (about 15% of MCDA pregnancies) where the vessel connections within the placenta are not evenly dispensed and there is an imbalance in the blood exchange between the twins. One twin — the donor twin — gives away more blood than it receives in return and runs the risk of malnourishment and organ failure. The recipient twin receives too much blood and is susceptible to overwork of the heart and other cardiac complications.
We had scans fortnightly from 16 weeks but following our 20 week scan and a subsequent scan in the fetal medicine department of Worcester Hospital our boys were diagnosed with severe TTTS.
We were referred to Birmingham Women's Hospital and the fantastic team there performed laser ablation surgery and an amnioreduction to try and save our boys. At the follow up scan, which was approaching 22 weeks, we were told that Noah, our recipient, hadn't survived.
Our donor, Bodhi, continued to grow and thrive until 32 weeks when we received our second devastating blow, his heart had stopped.
Noah and Bodhi were born silently at 32 weeks on 5th June 2021.
TTTS is such a devastating condition that so little is still known about because it is so rare. It is vital that more research can be done so that the outcomes can be more positive for more families.
Getting back to exercising is really important to me and my recovery following all that we have been through these last several months so I hope to be able to run 10k on 8th August with Tim, my husband, by my side.
It has been, and continues to be a very difficult time, but there is so much incredible support out there which desperately needs funding. Please donate if you feel you are able to.
Thanks very much x
