IWK Telethon supports patients
Born at only 28 weeks, twins Brennan and Liam Callaghan from Stratford are alive today thanks to the care team as well as the specialized technology and equipment at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax.
At 23 weeks the twins’ mom, Kaitlyn Isaacs, was rushed from their local hospital in Charlottetown to the IWK via ambulance. Isaacs was admitted to the prenatal special care unit where she and her unborn twins were closely monitored.
The twins’ dad, Brodie Callaghan, and older brother, twoyear-old Oliver, followed and together the family made the IWK their home. On the morning of Aug. 27, Brennan and Liam were delivered via C-section, weighing 2 pounds, 6 ounces and 2 pounds, 11 ounces respectively. They were immediately transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for care.
With many premature births, there are often respiratory and other complications for the neonates; Brennan and Liam were no exception. Brennan had significant breathing issues and required intensive care and several machines to help him breathe. Liam, who was more stable at birth, developed sepsis and meningitis after one week and his liver functions started to worsen. His meningitis subsequently turned into a brain abscess.
After multiple procedures on Liam’s brain to remove the abscess coupled with several months of antibiotics, it is now all cleared up.
He will continue to be closely monitored by the IWK, as it is still unknown what possible long-term effects will result from the sepsis.
Today, the boys are happy at home. They still have feeding tubes and are growing and meeting all of their milestones for their adjusted ages.
“I don’t think I could have asked for better staff, better nurses or better care. I don’t think I would ever want to be anywhere else. The IWK is just amazing,” says Isaacs. Liam and Brennan are two of the many IWK patients from across the Maritimes who will be featured on the 34th IWK Telethon for Children on CTV on June 2 and 3. On Prince Edward Island, the IWK Telethon will broadcast live from Murphy’s Community Centre in Charlottetown. Donations to the IWK Telethon will help support the most urgent priority needs of the IWK Health Centre and can be made by calling 1-800-595-2266 or online at www.iwkfoundation.org.
Donations directly support priority equipment and fund programs, research and new facilities at the IWK.