By Ashley Wahl

Special to The Pilot

On Dec. 13, 2009, just nine days after the birth of his twin sons, Jeff LaFave, of Rockingham, typed a quote into an online journal that came to mind on a drive to Duke University Hospital earlier that day: "Live with hope, walk with faith."

Since, the adage has marked the cessation of each entry in the electronic archive that Jeff began in order to update family, friends and supporters on the progress of two tiny packages delivered by way of emergency Caesarean section at only 27 weeks - Maddox and Mason LaFave.

At only 2 pounds, 3 ounces (Maddox) and 1 pound, 7 ounces (Mason), the preemies were airlifted from FirstHealth Moore Regional to Duke the night they were born. Jeff, 32, and his wife Jenny, 30, have been staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Durham while their sons continue to grow, defy the odds and prove that miracles happen every day.

Wee Little Warriors

"The only thing going through our minds was that they have a fight ahead of them," the couple say of seeing their boys for the first time. Maddox and Mason were so itty-bitty, Jeff explains, that they were carried out of the operating room in ziplock bags to keep warm.

Mason, or "Squirt," as he is referred to in journal updates, was born with a hole in his stomach that required a surgery before the boys were even a week old. Squirt's "big" brother, Maddox, had a level 4 brain bleed. In addition to undergoing CSF (spinal) taps almost daily, Maddox has endured three tedious procedures, one of which involved the insertion of a shunt, a catheter tube he will have indefinitely to alleviate the pressure on his brain caused by excess cerebrospinal fluid. Both brothers have also had several blood transfusions.

Jeff and Jenny were right about the fight ahead.

Though the LaFaves are fortunate that their boys were born in a century where advanced technology helps save lives, and that their tiny babies are under the special care of doctors and nurses at one of the most prestigious health-care facilities in the nation, the couple believes that a higher power is at work.

"We have had tons of support and prayers," Jeff says, claiming that every day, he and Jenny witness things "that cannot be explained by medicine or science, but only God's touch."

Only Time Will Tell

For the past couple of months, the boys have continued to grow, making "big gains, and [winning] little battles every day," says their dad. The twins have also begun to develop mannerisms and personalities unique to each one.

Little Mason, now 5 pounds, 3 ounces, has proved to be "the feisty one," and, according to his parents, "will probably be a handful" later on. On the other hand, (and, perhaps, in the other hand), Maddox seems to be the deep thinker.

"[He's] very studious and does not miss anything," Jeff says. "But both boys love cuddle time."

Though long-term prognoses are unknown for the twins, the LaFaves "have faith and hope that [their boys] will continue to fight and recover," says Jeff.

They also hope to be able to bring both sons to their home in Rockingham soon, even if under certain conditions. Mason, for instance, will be able to go home with an ostomy bag (to act as a temporary bladder) after he passes the "car seat test." Since Feb. 16, Jeff has been documenting Mason's trials of sitting in his child seat "issue free." To pass, he must succeed for two hours.

"The seat he is in is the absolute smallest infant carrier made," Jeff writes. "It looks like he is sitting in an adult recliner; it is hilarious."

Only time will tell when the boys will be ready for their homecoming. Until then, Jeff and Jenny will prepare themselves with knowledge on infant CPR, ostomy maintenance and proper medicine administration.

Team LaFave

"Both of our employers have been very great, and have allowed us to be here for the boys," Jeff says.

Jenny works in human resources at Sandhills Regional Medical Center; Jeff has been an officer with the Pinehurst Police Department (PPD) for roughly a year and a half.

"The [PPD] members gave me their own vacation time to help after I ran out of time," says Jeff.

Lt. Mike Tew of PPD says that "[the degree to which] everybody wants to help really says something about [the LaFaves]."

Tew's wife, Kim, and Celeste Washington, wife of PPD's Officer Reco Washington, are planning a fundraiser to help with the LaFaves' medical expenses.

"It's something we talked about since the night she had [the twins]," says Kim, who created an event on the popular social networking site Facebook to get the word out.

"I sent it to 40 of my friends, and asked them to pass it along to their friends," she says. "Before I knew it, 700 people were invited to the event."

Celeste Washington, an Appalachian State University alum, helped spread awareness by typing up and forwarding an e-mail to fellow ASU alumni.

On Thursday, March 11, "Team LaFave" will be having a barbecue and chicken plate fundraiser, catered by Jordan's, at the Fair Barn. The event will include live music, door prizes and a silent auction. "Team LaFave" T-shirts, featuring the message "Live with hope, walk with faith," will be for sale.

"We would love to attend," says Jeff, "if the whole 'team' is out of the hospital by then."

"We can't solve their [financial] problems for them, unless we win the lottery," says Mike Tew, "but we hope we can lessen the impact."

Sharing Their Story

Although the LaFaves may have to face unimaginable expenses, "the only thing [Team LaFave] would like to raise is hope, spirit and awareness," Jeff says.

Indeed, even the feedback Kim Tew has experienced since the event was established has been phenomenal.

"It's amazing how many other people are in or have experienced similar situations with premature twins," she says.

To other parents who may be going through a similar situation, the LaFaves ask that they "[not] feel unlucky, but blessed and of the chosen."

"It has made our already strong bond stronger," Jeff says of his and Jenny's marriage. "With faith, love and God, you can conquer anything."

Tickets for the fundraiser may be purchased through the Pinehurst Police Department. The event will be held at the Fair Barn from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with a silent auction from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

For tickets and more information, contact the Pinehurst Police Department at (910) 295-3141.