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Patient Stories; Pediatrics

In the NICU at UT Southwestern, a family finds strength to continue Kaylen’s Fight

May 3, 2024

Patient Stories; Pediatrics

The Kirby family’s journey began after they became pregnant with twins and discovered the unimaginable:

One of their daughters had a life-threatening condition called hydrops fetalis. They sought help from UT Southwestern, which pulled together experts from Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Neonatology, Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, and its partners at Children’s Health.

The twins ended up being delivered at just 30 weeks. Kaylen survived nine days. Her sister, Kamdyn, spent 63 days at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital.

Inspired by the NICU’s expert care and deep well of compassion, the Kirbys have since made it their mission to support the NICU staff at UTSW and other families who need that specialized care. As Kamdyn has grown into an energetic 6-year-old, the family’s nonprofit, called Kaylen’s Fight, has raised an impressive $250,000, ensuring that their daughter’s determination and legacy will live on at UT Southwestern.

Related reading: 2 stories, 4 babies: Support and care for complex twin pregnancies

More in: Patient Stories, Pediatrics, Pediatric Cardiology,, Patient stories,, Neonatology,, Maternal-Fetal Medicine,, Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery,, NICU

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