Newborn Kitchener twins separated while being treated for meningitis
A Kitchener couple is devastated after their twin newborns are both being treated for bacterial meningitis.
Meningitis is the inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. According to the Meningitis Foundation of Canada it spreads through close contact like a cold or flu and can be very serious if left untreated.
“I don’t even think we’ve begun to process it. We are still in survival mode trying to take care of everyone. But it is traumatic,” said mother Lindsay Button.
Taylor and Jamie were born premature at 32 weeks at Grand River Hospital on August, 28. The infants spent three weeks in the NICU. They were sent home for less than a week before the parents noticed something was wrong.
“With babies it is so tough,” said mother Lindsay. “All the doctors are saying they’re healthy until they’re not. It’s very subtle signs. They were just a little bit lethargic. Just a little bit slow in their feedings.”
Taylor is currently at Grand River Hospital. She was noticeably sicker, first.
Taylor Button at Grand River Hospital. Submitted/Lindsay and Heather Button
“Being in the room as they call a code on your four week old child is not something I would wish on anyone,” said mother Heather Button.
Jamie is at McMaster Hospital in Hamilton. He was transferred there as his condition has not improved.
Jamie Button at McMaster Hospital Submitted/Lindsay and Heather Button
“He may have been sick longer as he wasn’t showing as many signs,” said Heather. “His body might just be having a harder time fighting. But at this point he is still intubated.”
The community is coming together to help the family through this difficult time. Friends have started an online fundraising campaign.
“There is no one in the world who deserves what they’re going through and also there’s a kind of people who would step up for anyone else,” said Suzie Taka, a friend of the Buttons who said her twins went through a similar experience earlier this year.
The Buttons said they are overwhelmed by the support.
The Button family. Submitted/Lindsay and Heather Button
“People have asked if they can come and clean for us. Do our dishes. Send gift cards and money,” said Lindsay.
“Thank you. It’s helped take some of the burden off of us,” said Heather.
The Buttons are trying to stay strong and positive, not only for their twins but also for their other two children they have at home.
“Our priority is 100 percent our children,” said Heather.
The goal is to have the family of four reunited and healthy soon. They hope their story raises awareness that meningitis can be very serious.
The region of Waterloo offers information about vaccines for some strains of Meningococcal bacteria.
The Button twins are not yet old enough to be vaccinated.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.