Devan's story

2 1/2 months old

When I found out I was pregnant with triplets, I couldn't have been happier. I had waited so long to get pregnant, and now I was going to be a mother of three!!! My triplets were born prematurely, at 31 weeks. Three little girls came screaming into the world in October 24, 2001. The first was Devan Rachel, then came Grace Mackenzie, and finally Jordan Hayley. All were small, and their lungs were underdeveloped, but otherwise they were stable. They were put on oxygen, and we prayed every night that our angels would make it.

Two months and three days after their birth, Grace and Devan came home. Jordan, who was still on oxygen, was in the hospital another two weeks. We were so happy to have our little girls home.

Then on January 6, 2002, we took the girls in for a checkup, and the doctors told us something was wrong with Devan's blood sugar, glucose level, and about a half a dozen other things. She was not a healthy girl. She was put back into an incubator and hooked up to IV's and oxygen. She looked just as small and helpless as she did right after her birth.

Things finally began to look up for Devan when the doctors discovered that an infection had gotten into her IV. Since it was not detected right away, the infection spread throughout her body, ultimately settling in her lungs. It was too late-there was nothing we could do to save her. Devan died on January 15, 2002, almost a year ago. I would love other parents to contact me.

Emily Jettson

click on Winnie to email Emily personally

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