Miracle Monday – Sesma Twins

For Donyetta Phipps and Cesar Sesma, the birth of their twins came as a complete surprise. Donyetta had planned to deliver at Hurley but three and a half months before her due date she felt discomfort so she went to the hospital. Donyetta remembers that trip like it was yesterday. “When I found out it was time to have them Dr. Young said ‘You’re gonna have these babies in the next 30.’ Donyetta said, “The next 30 DAYS?” Dr. Young said, “NO! The next 30 MINUTES!” That was June 24, 2013. Donyetta was instantly scared.

An emergency C-section had to be performed because Donyetta’s blood pressure was dangerously high. LaVentez (known as Tez) was born first, weighing two pounds, nine ounces. His brother, Eziquiel (known as Zeek) arrived two minutes later weighing in at two pounds, eight ounces. The twins were on ventilators for their first week of life. Both suffered a congenital heart condition known as a PDA that was treated with medicine.

As scary as all of this was, Donyetta was grateful. “I felt like we were blessed. Just think of all the problems they could have had….brain bleeds, trouble with their eyes… lots could have gone wrong but by the grace of God and the help from Hurley, we have our two little miracles.”

Donyetta knows how important it is to have the resources of a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital available when the need arises. That’s why she’s so enthusiastic about the current fundraising campaign that’s going on at Walmart through July 25th. Donyetta has worked at Walmart Flint for 14 and a half years.

“I remember when I didn’t know anything about Children’s Miracle Network,” she said. “But now I want everyone to hear about it. You never know when you’re going to need them.”

YOU can help kids like Zeek and Tez enjoy a wonderful future. Please consider donating the next time you’re in Walmart or ordering online. It all stays here to help the kids at Hurley Children’s Hospital!