Twice the heartache, twice the joy

The new Millenium twins Emily and Matthew Stark were miracle babies, in every sense.

Born on New Year’s Day in 2000 by emergency caesarean at just 29 weeks, the tiny pair was given little chance of survival and were kept alive in Mater’s Neonatal Critical Care Unit by ventilators.

For parents Kymberley and Michael, it was yet another heart break in their struggle to become parents. After years of trying to get pregnant, then enduring a pregnancy full of illness and health concerns, they now watched their newborn miracles fight for life.

Matthew had to be revived at birth and Emily developed a severe infection. Each early day was a miracle in itself.

But after three long months in hospital, the twins were finally able to go home—a joyous day for the Stark family. The twins continued to battle the odds in their early years, with Matthew being diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at 11 months and Emily experiencing ongoing respiratory health problems. But they survived, and are now thriving 16 year olds.

Every year at Mater we care for more than 2000 premature and sick babies, like Emily and Matthew, from across Queensland and beyond.

Today, Emily is an accomplished dancer and elite cheerleader, while Matthew is a swimmer, currently in training for Paralympic glory. But happy endings like these would not be possible without the support of people like you.

You can help many more of these Mater little miracles. Purchase your Mater Prize Home lottery tickets today.