Harry and Jamie Watts of Hazard are the proud parents of three beautiful and healthy children Hope, Cage, and Chloe. They want to tell you the story about Hope and Cage and why they think the March of Dimes has made such a difference in the quality of their lives.
Hope and Cage were "preemies" having been born nine weeks early after what seemed to be a normal pregnancy. The research that has been done through the March of Dimes over the years has helped doctors understand many things that give "preemies" the best chance possible for a rich, full life.
In the Watts' case, massive doses of steroids, attention to diet with no alcohol, smoking or caffeine and plenty of rest served to give the children and Jamie all the resources available.
Great prenatal care could not prevent complications when the little ones decided it was time to come into the world. Things began unexpectedly with baby Cage. The ambulance ride to UK was quite scary as contractions kept all involved near panic, but three days of IV's kept the twins safe. However, all was not well. The umbilical cords were wrapped around the babies' necks, and after much work, Cage was delivered normally, but Hope had to be delivered by caesarian (C-Section). Cage arrived at 3:30 p.m. on the afternoon of September 21, 2000 weighing 3 lbs. 9 ozs. and Hope followed about an hour later at 3 lbs. 14 ozs.
Even with the great care at UK, the twins had to spend four weeks in the natal intensive care unit and another week at Hazard A.R.H. before they were allowed to come home.
Hope's name seems so appropriate as just a few years ago without training and research made available through the March of Dimes, she wouldn't have had much of a chance surviving much less be the vibrant little girl so full of curiosity and so anxious to learn about everything.
The March of Dimes has done so much throughout the years to teach doctors and help with research funding giving children every opportunity for a full and normal life along with all the resources possible to help parents understand the importance of prenatal care and personal good health habits in a partnership with the doctors working so hard for the children.
The Watts family is enjoying the many years of research and caring of the doctors, medical professionals and all the volunteers and fund raising made through the March of Dimes. So many families have benefited from the March of Dimes and Hope and Cage are daily reminders of the true wonder of life to which Harry, Jamie and little sister Chloe are blessed.
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