Minn. mom shares photo of surviving conjoined twin
A Minnesota mother who gave birth to conjoined twins in Denver last month posted the first photo of her daughter Hannah on Sunday.
Amber McCullough of Hastings, Minn., had to say goodbye to her other twin girl, Olivia, whose heart was unsalvageable.
On her GoFundMe page Sunday, McCullough said she had reached her fundraising goal of $30,000, and asked that supporters give to the Children's Hospital of Colorado, the Ronald McDonald House or Prenatal Partners for Life instead.
"Without the Children's Hospital of CO, neither of my daughters would have had a chance," she wrote. "They didn't put me off or turn me away contingent on guarantee of payment like most places do. Instead, they told me we'd figure it out from there.
"I truly consider this place to be a miracle factory full of compassion. Ronald McDonald House and Prenatal Partners for Life have also been vital supports in our journey."
The photo shows Hannah, who was born at 32 weeks on Aug. 26, "all tucked in" with a "comfy blanket."
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When Hannah was born, doctors said she lost her whole blood volume three times over during surgery. Her heart stopped because of the blood loss, which was caused by the separation of the fused liver shared by both babies.
Hannah and Olivia were separated during a five-hour surgery. They were conjoined from mid-chest to pelvis. Olivia was never expected to survive.
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Last week, McCullough said Hannah had been placed on a special ventilator for premature babies, and struggled with fluid in her lungs, low blood pressure and jaundice.
Nevertheless, she was showing signs of cognition and strength.
"She is very much aware who her mommy is. She hears my voice and looks for me. The nurses can tell by the response in her vitals when she sees me and hears me. Her pulse decreases if it's high, she squeezes my hand, and she refuses to let go of my hand especially if the nurses are performing their regular care on her at the time. She responds well when I read to her," McCullough said earlier.