Kimyah and DJ, 2 of the youngest twins to overcome a premature birth at the Cleveland Clinic, came into this world a mere 11 months ago at only 22 weeks gestation. They were so tiny that they could easily fit in the palm of an adult’s hand. Despite facing numerous obstacles, these remarkable infants have displayed incredible fortitude and are currently sharing their tale of resilience with the global community.

Upon their birth, Kimyah and DJ were extremely underweight, each weighing less than a pound, necessitating an immediate transfer to the neonatal intensive care unit. The hospital’s records indicate that Kimyah’s weight was a mere 12 oz., while DJ weighed just 15 oz. when they were born at only 22 weeks gestation. During that challenging period, their chances of survival were a small 10% to 20%, and the potential for developmental delays remained uncertain.

For their mother, Kimberly Thomas, this marked yet another distressing moment. She sensed something was awry as she began to experience the unsettling occurrence of amniotic fluid leakage —a crucial protective barrier for the developing baby in the womb, as was explained by the hospital. By the time she arrived at the hospital, she had already dilated 4 centimeters, a concerning sign of impending labor. In retrospect, she vividly recollects, “I was just scared.”

The medical team at the Cleveland Clinic made every effort to halt Thomas’ premature labor since she was only midway through her pregnancy with the twins. Dr. Firas Saker, who serves as the Medical Director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for Cleveland Clinic Children’s at Hillcrest Hospital in Mayfield Heights, OH, emphasized that “the odds of survival are very low” for babies born that early.

However, despite their best efforts, Kimberly went into labor, and Kimyah and DJ entered the world on October 12, 2022, at a mere 22 weeks and one day into gestation. Nurses vividly described their sizes, noting that “Kimyah was around the size of a soda can, and DJ was slightly larger.”

The family couldn’t forget the grim prognosis the doctors had given them. Damante Jackson, the twins’ father, recollected, “They said even if they do survive, it’s not likely they’d make it the first 3 days.” Meanwhile, Kimberly confessed, “I felt like, I know they won’t remember it, but it was hard for them.”

In their initial months, Kimyah and DJ faced numerous challenges, including a collapsed lung and a brain bleed. However, their family remained steadfast in their support. Their mother displayed remarkable determination, spending every night by her babies’ side in the NICU. During the first month, she couldn’t even hold them due to their incredibly fragile skin.

“I would then go into the NICU just to talk to my babies,” she recalled. “I don’t think there was one day I didn’t spend at least a few minutes with them.” This unwavering dedication and love were key elements in their resilient journey.

Dr. Saker recognized the vital role that Kimberly played in her children’s growth, believing that her active involvement played a pivotal role in helping them “overcome their challenges.”

Despite the many hurdles they faced, the family maintained a positive outlook and commemorated every small achievement, from Thanksgiving to baby showers. Finally, on February 27, after an arduous 138 days in the NICU, Kimyah and DJ had grown strong enough to go home, officially earning the distinction of being the youngest surviving premature twins born at the Cleveland Clinic.

In celebration of this significant milestone, the nurses at Cleveland Clinic arranged special photo sessions. The twins donned adorable pink and blue caps and gowns for a graduation-style ceremony within the hospital. As the family departed, the hospital staff lined the hallways, offering enthusiastic cheers in a heartwarming send-off.

Conversely, their mother took the opportunity to sincerely express her gratitude to all those who stood steadfastly by their side and offered unwavering support. Kimberly fondly recalled that special day, saying, “Everybody came through, all the doctors who looked after them, and pretty much all the nurses who were there.”

“Kamyah and DJ are super active and just love exploring,” she enthused. Reflecting on their journey, she shared some valuable insight, saying, “Staying positive and keeping your focus on what you want is key.”

The arrival of children often brings with it a host of unpredictable and sometimes astonishing events. In another article, we share the remarkable story of parents who not only welcomed twins on separate days but also in different years.