Jessica McCormick

After experiencing miscarriage, endometriosis surgery and IVF, Jess fell pregnant with identical twin girls, Isla and Violet. Complications arose early with many hospital trips before being admitted at 23 weeks to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney for cervical incompetence.

Isla and Violet were born at 24+4, at 581g and 673grams. Unfortunately, 10 days later Isla was diagnosed with Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) and was rushed to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead for surgery. In twin fashion, Violet followed two weeks later.

While there were many ups and downs for Violet and a further two surgeries, she came home after 157 days in hospital and is now a thriving almost 3-year-old.

Sadly, Isla continued to struggle following her NEC diagnosis and was placed on palliative care. She passed away at 4 months old.

As all NICU parents know, every day is a roller coaster of new fears and hopes and medical issues that you didn’t know where possible. Jess hopes her experience can help others and also be a voice for the babies don’t make it home.