Then, they trained tirelessly. “We worked very hard to prove we were ready,” Dr. Schenone said. “We wouldn’t take a patient until after many simulations where the team showed we were ready to go from assembly to checking equipment to lasering a placenta.” Their diligence paid off for Gail, whose procedure went perfectly. “I knew things would be OK when Dr. Mari asked me if we’d picked out names,” she said. Finally, at 35 weeks, Garrett and Gunner decided the time had come. Today, they are healthy, active, normal little boys. Garrett takes being born two minutes before Gunner to heart. He’s more likely to take the lead, and loves to color and listen to books. Gunner is more active physically, with a big imagination and sense of humor. Both boys love karate, and they’ll start kindergarten next year. “They’re just typical boys. They love to play outside and run and ride bikes,” Gail said. She’s grateful to Regional One Health for giving them that chance. “I don’t want to think about what would have happened if we hadn’t found Regional One Health – one or both of them may not have survived,” she said. “I truly felt like they were rooting for us. They wanted the boys to be healthy, and they wanted to do everything they possibly could to get them there.” That’s what drives the Maternal Fetal Medicine team, the only one in the region that treats Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome and other rare lifethreatening conditions. “It’s a very unique program,” Dr. Schenone said. “There are 10-20 centers in the whole country, and we’re one of them. In this area of the map, we’re it. The stakes are high, and babies are referred typically with a very somber prognosis. Our days aren’t always sunny, but those cases where you help a baby survive, it keeps you going. It’s a beautiful experience.” Today, the Duncans are a happy family of four. “They’re just typical boys,” Gail says of Gunner and Garrett. regionalonehealth.org/foundation/change-a-life-donate-today/ 27
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