Tiny But Mighty: Meet the Hamilton Twins
“We want the twins to know that they can do anything. No matter what challenges they may face now or in the future, we want them to know that they can do and accomplish whatever it is that they want in life.” — Teela Hamilton
At just 2 years old, TJ and Zander Hamilton have already defied the odds and exceeded all expectations. Born at 23 weeks and 2 days, the girls were hardly past the date of viability. Babies born at 23 weeks have about a 50/50 chance of survival.
When Teela and Taylor Hamilton went to their 20-week anatomy scan in Evansville, Indiana, they were excited to see their twin babies. However, they had no idea their lives were about to be turned upside down that January day in 2022. Teela was having a smooth pregnancy with no indications of complications. Up to this point, the twins were healthy and growing properly. The sonographer began showing signs of concern as she was looking at the twins. She got the doctor, who confirmed complications that typically result in premature birth or even miscarriage.
“It was a very emotional time. We didn’t know what was going to happen, how the NICU stay would be, if they would even make it,” said Teela. “It was a difficult time for us.”
Teela’s pregnancy became high-risk, and she was sent home with instructions to rest. Two weeks later, a check revealed Zander was ready to come into the world kicking – literally. She had kicked through the stitches attempting to prevent preterm labor, and both girls were breech. Teela was admitted to the hospital in hopes of delaying labor until at least 32 weeks. However, eight days later on Feb. 23, 2022, the girls made their entrance.
“We decided to have them transferred to the Level IV NICU at Riley Hospital for Children. We wanted to get them their best shot at surviving.”
The girls were airlifted from the Evansville hospital to Indianapolis, where they could receive the most advanced neonatology services in the state. The Level IV NICU at Riley Hospital for Children offers the highest level of care with neonatal specialists for the most complex newborns who need specialized treatment options.
The girls spent eight months in the NICU. In those eight months, the twin girls proved their strength and resiliency. At birth, they each weighed 1 pound, 2 ounces. Both TJ and Zander have Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (also called BPD), a chronic lung disease that affects newborns and causes damage to the lungs and airway, putting them at higher risk for lung infections.
“NICU journeys are roller coasters. They would have really good days that would very quickly turn bad,” said Teela. “It was so back and forth and highly emotional. Our anxiety was high not knowing what the next day would bring.”
Wanting to be close to the girls and knowing they would likely require many future trips to Riley Hospital for Children, Teela and Taylor decided to move to Indianapolis from Evansville.
Doctors discovered TJ had bleeds on both sides of her brain, which subsided but resulted in hydrocephalus. She now has a reservoir and shunt to help drain fluid from her brain. TJ also had a breathing tube in place until she pulled it out in August while in the NICU. After extubating herself, TJ was assessed and well enough to remain without it, though she did spend some time on oxygen.
Zander’s lungs were stronger, but she had a narrow airway requiring a tracheostomy. She still has her trach today, but doctors hope that future reconstructive surgery of the airway will allow her to have the trach removed. Both girls have feeding tubes and are working through oral aversion issues due to their long intubations.
TJ and Zander were discharged from the NICU eight days apart in October 2022. Four months later, they celebrated their first birthday and homecoming surrounded by family and friends. Today, the girls are 2 years old.
They visit Riley regularly to see a multitude of specialists. From neurology and neurosurgery to ophthalmology and nephrology, the girls have visited nearly every corner of the hospital. They continue to see Gregory Montgomery, M.D., a pediatric pulmonologist in the BPD clinic for their lungs.
Zander and TJ have exceeded expectations since their arrival. Zander’s parents describe her as a firecracker who has developed her own ways of communication despite her trach. She is adamant in her opinions, enjoys solving problems, and always looks for something new to explore.
TJ has overcome brain bleeds, hydrocephalus, and cerebral palsy to develop into a happy, bubbly little girl. It was once thought that she may not walk or smile, but now she almost always has a smile on her face. She’s taught herself that while her left leg may not work like everyone else’s, she can move in her own way and not let it slow her down.
The family developed strong bonds with those at Riley who cared for the girls during their eight-month NICU stay. Taylor and Teela have stayed in contact with some of the nurses, keeping them updated on the girls’ progress.
“The girls have a lot of love, a lot of people who love them. Our support system is outstanding,” said Teela. “Some of our nurses are now our friends and part of our support system. They have been there for us through the highs and the lows, come to the girls’ birthday parties and invited us to their weddings. They are really important to us.”
The girls have both had physical and occupational therapy, and will soon begin developmental and speech therapy. Taylor, Teela, TJ and Zander enjoy spending time outside exploring new things and traveling to visit family out of state. The family has a passion for music, and often play instruments and sing together. Taylor and Teela make it their mission to remind the girls every day that they are strong and can do anything they set their minds to. They also want the girls to know they will always have a safe space with their moms.
“They have been through more in their short lives than most of us as adults have been through. That story alone will hopefully inspire them to always strive for whatever it is that they want,” said Teela.