Baylor, who had been born weighing only 1 lb, 15 oz, had faced a number of challenges, including digestive issues. Zoey, even smaller at 1 lb, 8 oz, had needed a shunt inserted into her brain to help with fluid buildup. Despite these obstacles, the twins showed incredible resilience. Their parents, Zach and Alyson, filled their home with love, joy, and constant care, hoping that their babies could leave behind the sterile walls of the hospital and thrive in the warmth of their home.
But just as things seemed to be looking up, they were back at square one.
On June 5th, Baylor was readmitted to Children’s of Alabama for low oxygen levels. After days of monitoring and treatment, she was released on June 7th, only to have her health take a sharp turn for the worse. As Alyson went to get Baylor out of the car at home, she was horrified to find her daughter completely blue and limp. Panicking, she rushed her to Zach, who immediately began CPR while they waited for the paramedics to arrive.
Within hours, the family was back at the hospital. Baylor was diagnosed with a serious combination of infections: a strep A blood infection, rhinovirus, enterovirus, bronchiolitis, and possible pneumonia and meningitis. The doctors weren’t ruling out necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a severe condition that affects the intestines, so Baylor was started on antibiotics and given bowel rest as they awaited further tests. The uncertainty of what could come next was overwhelming.
On top of Baylor’s health struggles, Alyson received more bad news. Zoey, who had been facing her own challenges with the possibility of cerebral palsy, had to be readmitted to the hospital early on June 10th due to dangerously low oxygen levels. She, too, was diagnosed with rhinovirus and enterovirus, further complicating their situation. The twins, who had already fought so hard to survive, were now facing another round of difficult and frightening medical battles.
As the days passed, Zach and Alyson couldn’t help but feel like they were caught in an unending cycle. The joy they had felt just weeks ago was replaced by fear, exhaustion, and worry for their children’s well-being. Yet, through it all, their love for Baylor and Zoey remained unwavering. They knew their girls were strong—just like the warrior spirit that had carried them through their early days in the NICU.
Their journey, as parents of twins who were born so prematurely, had never been easy. But through every setback and every triumph, they had been there for each other, as a family. They had shared their story with friends, family, and strangers alike, knowing that their babies’ struggles could inspire others. And in return, the outpouring of love and support from those around them kept their spirits lifted, even in the darkest moments.
As the Blythe family faces yet another chapter of uncertainty, they continue to fight. They continue to pray. And they continue to hold on to the hope that soon their girls will be strong enough to return home, where they belong.
