In early 2014, Kristen Brown of Fredericton, New Brunswick was pregnant with twins – a boy and a girl. During her 18-week ultrasound an issue was detected with her unborn son Asher’s heart. A trip to the IWK determined that Asher had two heart defects and would need surgery after his birth.
Asher and his sister Spencer were born at the IWK on August 26, 2014. Upon delivery, Asher was immediately taken to the IWK’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Two weeks later, at four pounds, Asher had his first heart surgery to put in a Gore-Tex shunt. “It was the worst day of my life, but he handled it like a champ,” remembers his mom.
Two days after their birth the staff arranged for the twins to be photograph in the PICU together. During such a difficult time, the IWK helped ensure my twins had memories together.
~Kristen Brown, Asher's mom
Asher spent a total of eight weeks at the IWK, six of those in PICU. His mom and Spencer never left the hospital during that time. In 2015 Asher had his second heart surgery and will continue to be monitored by the IWK’s Heart Centre. Kristen will be forever grateful for the care her family received at the IWK. “Two days after their birth,” she recalled, “the staff arranged for the twins to be photograph in the PICU together. During such a difficult time, the IWK helped ensure my twins had memories together.”
Today, Asher is doing great! Kristen says you would never know the journey he has been on. He enjoys playing with Spencer and spending time with his older brothers.
