You may not have ever heard their names, but they might have helped YOU a time or two…….

Jennifer is often the calm voice at the other end of the line when someone dials 911, working for Santiam Canyon Dispatch. Her husband Chuck is often the help that arrives working as a paramedic for Santiam Memorial Hospital in Stayton.

Twenty-four short weeks ago, they conceived twin boys, Carter Richmond and Preston Joseph.
Just weeks ago Jenn was diagnosed with Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS). In short, TTTS means that the twins have interconnecting blood vessels in the placenta, and one twin becomes a donor, the other a recipient. The donor will have decreased blood volume retarding growth, and decreased urinary output, providing lower than normal levels of amniotic fluid. The recipient’s blood volume is increased, putting strain on the heart of the fetus. There is also an increase in urinary output, and higher levels of amniotic fluid.
If Chuck and Jenn did not act immediately, they would lose both twins. They found doctors at the University of California, San Francisco Children’s Hospital who were more experienced and would do a surgery to separate the connecting blood vessels between the twins. The surgery was successful, and they drained some of the excess fluid from the recipient fetus. Unfortunately, baby b, the donor, suffered a massive stroke and bleeding in the brain. The hard decision had to be made to say goodbye to Preston Joseph, and focus on saving baby A, Carter Richmond. Jenn had to go into surgery again to sever the umbilical cord of Preston so Carter had the best chance of survival as possible. Now that she is done with surgeries, she has to carry both boys until Carter is ready to be delivered. Every ultrasound they go to, every time she feels a kick in her belly, they come to the hard realization that one of their sons is dead, and still inside of her. It is the constant reminder of both blessing for Carter, and pain of losing Preston.

We are putting on a dinner/silent auction to benefit this couple. It is to be held November 6th at 5pm at the Sublimity Fire Station. Any donations would be greatly appreciated. For ticket info, contact tkadin@santiamhospital.com or call 503 339 5926