Kamyah and DJ, the remarkable twins born prematurely at the Cleveland Clinic, have emerged as true survivors. Born just 11 months ago at a mere 22 weeks, they were so tiny they could fit into an adult’s hand. Despite facing numerous challenges, these resilient infants are now sharing their inspiring story with the world.
At birth, Kamyah and DJ weighed less than the average person, requiring immediate care in the fetal intensive care unit. Kamyah, at just 12 oz, and DJ, at 15 oz, faced survival odds of only 10% to 20%. There was a genuine concern about potential developmental issues.
Their mother, Kimberly Thomas, experienced a terrifying moment when she began leaking amniotic fluid, a protective barrier in the womb before delivery. By the time she reached the hospital, she was already four times dilated. “I was simply afraid,” she recalls.
Despite the medical team’s efforts to halt labor, Kamyah and DJ were born on Oct. 12, 2022, at 22 weeks and one day. Described by nurses as being as small as a soda can, Kamyah and DJ faced a precarious beginning.
Damante Jackson, the twins’ father, remembers what doctors had warned, saying, “Even if they do survive, it’s not likely they’d make it the first three days.” Thomas admits, “I felt like, I know they won’t remember it, but it was hard for them.”
The early months brought challenges, including a collapsed lung and a brain bleed. Undeterred, the family stood strong. Thomas demonstrated unwavering determination by spending every night in the NICU, unable to hold her fragile babies for the first month.
Dr. Firas Saker, the medical director of the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, acknowledged the crucial role of Thomas’s active involvement in the twins’ growth and overcoming challenges.
Despite the difficulties, the family maintained a positive outlook, celebrating every small achievement. Finally, after 138 days in the NICU, Kamyah and DJ, the youngest surviving premature twins at the Cleveland Clinic, were deemed strong enough to go home on February 27.
In celebration, the hospital organized special photo sessions, marking a graduation-style ceremony with the twins donning cute pink and blue caps and gowns. As the family left, the hospital staff lined the hallways, offering a heartwarming send-off.
Thomas expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported them, emphasizing the collective effort of doctors and nurses. “Kamyah and DJ are super active and just love exploring,” she added, underscoring the lesson learned from their journey: “Staying positive and keeping your focus on what you want is key.”
These stories remind us to believe in the marvels of life, especially when it involves premature babies and the incredible strength exhibited by their parents.
