We have established Addison's Song in honor of our daughter Addison Wozniak who is survived by her twin sister Audrey - she is also survived in the heart and souls of all of those who have been touched by her story.

 

On January 2, 2014 - at the 24/40 week mark of their pregnancy, Kevin and Stefanie Wozniak unexpectedly welcomed their first children - identical twin daughters Audrey and Addison into the world.  This was absolutely unexpected - and their world was turned upside down in a blink of an eye.  Weighing just 1 pound 7 ounces each, the girls would face many obstacles, and insurmountable odds in order to survive.  50% of the babies who enter the world this early never make it home, and the 50% that survive face the likelihood of profound developmental impairment.

 

For Addison, the complications of being born too soon would prove to be too much for her.  A few hours after birth she became an angel - while cradled in the arms of her parents, and surrounded by family.  Her sister Audrey was downstairs with nurses and doctors beginning what would prove to be the fight of her life.

 

How do you deal with giving birth to children born 16 weeks too soon?  How do you mourn the loss of a child?  How do you comprehend the complications which your daughter is battling to survive?  These were all questions which were now posed to these parents, who days before - only contemplated the color of the nursery, and potential names of their daughters.  No parent is ready for these questions.

 

Audrey would require 139 days, one heart surgery, two brain surgeries, three eye surgeries, four months of ventilation, and endless amounts of prayer before she was finally able to join her parents at home.

 

During their time in the Children's Hospital NICU, Kevin and Stefanie were comforted by the kindness, care, and compassion of the nurses, doctors, and staff who surrounded them.  In a time in their lives when all was falling apart around them, simple tokens such as blankets, snacks, stuffed animals, headbands to fit their small baby, and personalized tokens provided by the staff and charities meant so much to them - it normalized them for a moment, and they will never forget how refreshing those moments were.

 

Audrey has surpassed so many odds - and today is meeting all of the developmental milestones set in place for her with only slight complications.

 

We want to ensure that the blessings provided to us while in the NICU continue - it is our way of "paying it forward" by establishing Addison's Song. 

 

Our experience was one which we never wanted to go through; however the short life of Addison and the inspirational journey of Audrey is one that we choose to celebrate.  Audrey will continue to inspire those around her as she continues to beat what was categorized as unbeatable odds.  Addison's spirit will live through each and every one of us, as we charge ourselves sing her song - because "Addison's song will be sung, if we do the singing."  Thank you for your support.