The caregivers of Kimyah and DJ, who are currently being treated at the Cleveland Clinic’s Children’s Hospital, recently held a ceremony to commemorate the progress the twins have made. The event was reminiscent of a graduation ceremony, complete with caps and gowns. Kimyah and DJ are a remarkable pair, having made history as the youngest twins to survive at the Cleveland Clinic after being born prematurely at just 22 weeks.
Kimyah was really small, only 12 ounces, and DJ was a bit heavier at 15 ounces. They had a low chance of surviving, but they did.
In Cleveland, Kimyah was as light as a pop can, key fob, hamster, or a bowl of cereal when she was born at the Cleveland Clinic. Her brother DJ was only a bit heavier, just 3 ounces more, as told by the hospital spokesperson Jenna Homrock.
“Only 10-20% chance they’d make it, and they might have some learning delays,” said Homrock. “But at just 22 weeks, they became the youngest twins to survive at the Cleveland Clinic.”
When their mom, Kimberly Thomas, had the babies, they needed help to start breathing and had tubes to help them. “Kimberly had to stay in the special baby care unit (NICU) all the time. She couldn’t even hold them for a month because their skin was very delicate,” Homrock explained.
Finally, after staying in the NICU for 138 days in a row, Kimyah and DJ got better and could go home with their parents, Kimberly and Damante Jackson.
The caregivers at Cleveland Clinic’s Children’s Hospital organized a graduation ceremony for twins complete with caps and gowns. The photos depict the babies smiling and looking at each other after their four-and-a-half-month stay at the hospital. Holbrook mentioned that it may take a few years before doctors can determine if the twins will experience any developmental delays. However, the brother and sister are about to celebrate their first birthday and are continuously achieving their developmental milestones, gaining strength through their therapy sessions, and surpassing expectations.
Firas Saker, MD, the medical director of Cleveland Clinic Children’s Level III NICU at Hillcrest Hospital, stated that research shows centers that consistently push the envelope have more successful outcomes. He further added that medical advancements have made it possible to care for premature babies, and his team has made tremendous progress.
Kimberly expressed her gratitude for the care team who helped her babies go home. She mentioned that many of their doctors and nurses showed up despite it being their job. They had built a connection with Kimyah and DJ and had seen them from their most critical stages to where they are now. According to Kimberly, this was their time to spend with the babies before Kimyah and DJ left the hospital.
