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Born at 24 weeks, Laura's twin baby boy's, Kai and Maverick, arrived 3 months early and dangerously fragile. Kai weighed 660 grams and Maverick was delivered at just 390 grams-less than a tub of butter.
They had the fight of their lives ahead of them and had they been born even 10 years earlier, Kai and Maverick would not have survived.
Please note: The above video includes footage of premature babies.
Your generosity can help us reach our goal of $153,000 to continue life-saving research to help our tiniest patients survive—and grow up without the challenges of long-term health complications.
Just ten years ago, tiny babies like Maverick and Kai would not have survived.
This critical research will help our tiniest and most fragile patients not only survive, but reduce the risk of future health complications due to their premature birth.
Research into enhancing airway support to keep tiny lungs breathing.
Investing in innovative research focused on airway support can mean the difference between life and death for premature infants with fragile, underdeveloped lungs. By developing advanced airway support techniques and equipment to keep their delicate lungs breathing, we can give these babies the best possible chance of survival and a healthy start to life.
Research to protect developmental brain conditions, like cerebral palsy, in premature babies.
Every premature baby deserves a chance to thrive without the cloud of neurological challenges. Research aimed at preventing abnormal brain development issues like cerebral palsy is vital. By unravelling the complexities of brain development in extremely premature infants, we can create targeted interventions that protect their future quality of life and empower them to reach their full potential.
Research to protect the eyesight of tiny babies from blindness.
For premature babies, the risk of the onset of an eye disease called retinopathy is significantly increased, threatening their ability to see the world around them. Investing in research to combat this condition is crucial. By developing advanced therapies and preventative measures, we can protect the eyesight of these fragile infants, offering them the precious gift of sight and the ability to explore life with clarity and confidence.
Laura and Troy were overjoyed to find out they were expecting twin boys. Already parents to three beautiful girls, their baby boys were to complete their family of seven. The boys were meant to arrive close to Christmas, but only 6 months into Laura's pregnancy, they arrived dangerously early.
Born at just 24 weeks, Kai and Maverick were among the smallest babies ever delivered at Mater Mothers' Hospital, and their lives hung in the balance.
"Kai weighed 664 grams, and was 29-and-a-half centimeters long. I thought that was tiny, but then mighty Maverick came along. He was 390 grams and was only 27 centimeters long, which made him the smallest baby born at Mater Mothers' Hospital in 2023."
A decade ago, there was little knowledge or equipment to keep a 24-week-old baby alive—no matter where they were born. Today, with the help of medical research, leading hospitals like Mater Mothers' have the latest, specially developed equipment, and staff with the skills and training to care for extremely premature babies. It means that babies born at 24 weeks now have a 70% chance of surviving. But our goal is for all babies to survive. And make sure those little ones grow up without long-term health problems.
The twins' mother, Laura, and Mater Neonatologist Dr. Luke Jardine, who led the twins' care, have their own hopes for Kai, Maverick, and every baby born dangerously premature.
"My hopes and dreams for our little boys are to grow up happy and healthy and follow in dad's footsteps. I want to watch them grow up and be the annoying little brothers that hang off their sister's arms all the time," Laura, Kai & Maverick's mum, said.
"My hope is that with ongoing research and ongoing development in the care we can provide, that all babies at 24 weeks, 23 weeks, and even 22 weeks will survive to go home. And not only will they survive, but they'll thrive and grow and have long, happy lives," Dr. Luke Jardine said.
We urgently need to raise $153,000 for lifesaving neonatal research before December 25. Every generous gift will ensure premature babies like twins Kai and Maverick can grow up to become the annoying little brothers their mum dreams of.
