Three times the love: 3/15

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Three times the love

by Cindy Abole
Public Relations

MUSC pediatric nurse Sarah Linker, R.N., and her husband, Wesley, have patience when it comes to potty training their 2-year-old triplets. To some, getting things done in the Linker family may seem to be three times as hard, but the couple knows it is all worth it.

The 2013 Lowcountry March of Dimes Ambassador Family of the Year includes Kelsey, Thomas and Easton. The triplets' parents are Wesley and Sarah Linker. Sarah is a registered nurse at MUSC Children's Hospital.

Thanks to the care she received at MUSC and the research conducted by the March of Dimes, the triplets are healthy and thriving. The Linker family serves as the 2013 Lowcountry March of Dimes Ambassador Family of the Year.

"For any premature birth, it's natural to worry about the health of the child. But it's different when it's your own children. I can't say enough about how grateful we are to the March of Dimes and MUSC. They go hand-in-hand with the excellent care of preterm babies," Sarah said.

Sarah Linker delivered her premature babies on Oct. 1, 2010.

It wasn't long ago that the first-time parents learned that Sarah's pregnancy didn't involve just one baby, but three. Seven months into her pregnancy, she experienced preterm labor and was rushed to MUSC for care. After much consultation with her physicians, she delivered her babies via cesarean section on Oct. 1, 2010. They welcomed Kelsey Grace, who weighed 3 lbs. 6 oz., and her brothers, Thomas, 3 lbs. 7 oz., and Easton, 2 lbs. 14 oz. At birth, all three preemies were given surfactant, a life-saving drug developed by the March of Dimes to help premature babies improve their lung function. Premature newborns are at risk for infection, anemia, lung disease, problems with motor skill development and other conditions.

As part of their NICU journey, the Linkers were presented with reading materials, introduced to Kangaroo Care to initiate bonding and improve their growth and development, and attended a specialized infant care class. In their early days in NICU, the triplets suffered from apnea, sudden drops in their heart rate, brain bleeds and immature airways. One by one, the babies went home.

At 29 months, the triplets are active and happy. The toddlers do their follow-up care at MUSC and the NICU graduate clinic. Each child has developed some distinct personalities, according to Sarah. Easton is a chatterbox and loves to talk. Thomas is sweet, shy and loves to tell secrets, while big sister Kelsey, who is quiet, tries hard to keep up with her brothers.

At birth, Oct. 1, 2010, Kelsey weighed 3 lbs. 6 oz., Thomas weighed 3 lbs. 7 oz., and Easton weighed 2 lbs. 14 oz. This year, the triplets, along with parents Sarah and Wesley Linker, will serve as the March of Dimes Ambassador Family of the Year.

"Our life is crazy and fun. We laugh at lot. More importantly, we feel blessed and recognize just how lucky we are to have this beautiful family," Sarah said.

Charleston March of Dimes Walk
he Lowcountry March of Dimes March for Babies will begin Saturday, April 27 at 8 a.m. at Cannon Park, 261 Calhoun St. For information, call 571-1776 or visit http://tinyurl.com/bfzm36s.

Friday, March 15, 2013

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