PIH Health Whittier Hospital
Tiny Steps, Giant Leaps: 50 Years of NICU Miracles!
The Inspiring Journey of Twins Emmett and Arleigh: From NICU Warriors to Young Stars
From left to right: Arleigh and Emmett
Amber Snowden, a proud Whittier resident, shares the remarkable tale of her identical twin boys, Emmett and Arleigh, born on September 12, 2019, at PIH Health Whittier Hospital. Their arrival at just 28 weeks and 1 day marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey filled with challenges and triumphs.
Amber's high-risk pregnancy led to a harrowing experience when she rushed to the hospital for fetal monitoring due to twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, a rare but serious condition in pregnancies where identical twins share a placenta causing uneven blood flow between the fetuses. With her husband serving overseas, she faced the daunting ordeal alone, finding comfort in the calm guidance of Marc Melnik MD, PIH Health OB/GYN, and the dedicated team at the hospital.
The chaos escalated as both boys' heart rates dropped, prompting an emergency C-section that brought Emmett and Arleigh into the world prematurely. Their early birth meant a lengthy stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), with Emmett spending 89 days and Arleigh 81 days fighting to overcome the challenges of premature birth. Throughout their NICU stay, Amber formed deep bonds with the caregivers who provided unwavering support to her family. Celebrating milestones like independent breathing and feeding, the boys gradually grew stronger, inspiring everyone around them with their resilience.
From left to right: Arleigh and Emmett
Now, at 4 ½ years old, Emmett and Arleigh are thriving. Their story took an unexpected turn when they were discovered for a movie role at the age of 2 ½. Despite their challenging start, the twins embarked on a new adventure, showcasing their resilience and determination. Reflecting on their journey, Amber expresses gratitude for the incredible staff who became like family during their time in the NICU. "It's so hard to put into words," she says. "The nurses and respiratory therapists are incredibly special to us; they got us through the darkest time."
As Emmett and Arleigh continue to grow and flourish, their journey serves as a testament to the power of love, and resilience, and the remarkable individuals who dedicate their lives to caring for others. From NICU warriors to young stars, the story of these twins is nothing short of inspirational.
