Kayla and Keira's Story

Kayla and Keira Hennessey
Age 4
Amot Ogden Medical Center
Premature Birth

Kevyn Hennessey was six months pregnant with twins and was shopping at Sam’s Club when she realized her usual morning sickness and cramps were getting severe. She went to the bathroom to calm down, but discovered her water had broken. A Sam’s Club associate quickly drove Kevyn to Arnot Ogden Medical Center, just a few minutes away. Within three minutes of being wheeled into the delivery room, Kayla was born weighing 1 lb., 14 oz. While Kayla fought for her life, her twin sister, Keira, remained in the womb.

It would be 17 days before Keira, weighing 2 lbs., 12 oz., would be born. On the morning of Keira’s birth, Kayla was still struggling to stay alive nearby in the NICU. Nurses had discovered blood and an infection in Kayla’s tiny lungs. Kayla remained in the NICU for 91 days, while Keira was released after 60.

Though their births were separate, these outgoing twin sisters are now inseparable. The first few months after their births were just the first chapter in two lives full of adventure. Spontaneous giggles frequently erupt from the two girls who don’t mind getting into a little trouble during their daily adventures.