When Desiree Vea, an HMSA program manager in Medicaid Programs, was pregnant with twins, she never imagined that her babies would end up in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). But when she went into early labor and delivered her babies at 33 weeks, the NICU was a lifesaver. Now, two years later, her boys are happy, healthy toddlers.
In observance of NICU Awareness Month, we talked to Vea about her experience and why she credits the NICU and the March of Dimes for helping her family through such a harrowing time. We also spoke to Candice Fajardo, executive director of the local chapter of the March of Dimes, to learn about the services they offer and how people can get involved.
A tough pregnancy
When Vea and her partner found out Vea was pregnant, they were so excited. “Since twins run in my wife’s family, she hoped for twins,” Vea says. “When twins were confirmed at the ultrasound, I was shocked, but thankful we were pregnant.” Though it was a joyous time, her pregnancy turned out to be challenging, with Vea facing various medical issues, including feeling nauseous 24/7.
Celebrating their babies on the way! Photo courtesy Desiree Vea
When Vea was just 29 weeks pregnant, and on her way to an ultrasound, she felt a gush of water. Her ob-gyn recommended going to the hospital immediately. That’s where Vea learned that one of the amniotic sacs had ruptured. “At 29 weeks, babies’ lungs aren’t fully developed,” she says. “Since one of the two amniotic sacs was still intact, I was admitted to the hospital with the goal of supporting the developing fetuses to at least 34 weeks.”
Fear and relief
Thanks to the care she received during her hospital stay, Vea was able to carry her twins for four more weeks. “We were short just two days of the 34-week mark,” she says. “There was fear at first, but relief came once they were born.” However, Vea was only able to see her boys for a few seconds before they were whisked away to the NICU. “I was supposed to rest,” Vea says, “but that night, as soon as I could walk, I made my way to the NICU to see my babies.”
What she saw brought tears to her eyes. “They were so tiny, just 3.32 and 4.46 pounds,” Vea says. “I cried when I saw them hooked up to all these wires and tubes.” However, she felt better once the nurses explained that they were simulating the womb and the boys were OK. They just needed time.
Tiny twins resting peacefully. Photo courtesy Desiree Vea
A light in the darkness
Since the hospital was simulating the womb, the room was dark and quiet except for the sound of beeping monitors. “Sometime during the first week, a woman named Vivian came into the room,” Vea says. “She was like a soft light in the darkness.” Vivian was from the March of Dimes and explained the different types of support they offer. “She wasn’t pushy or promoting an agenda,” Vea says. “It was more of a ‘we’re here when you’re ready’ vibe.”
And when she was ready, Vea attended a few educational classes. “It helped me understand the different needs that preemies have, which aligned with what the Kapiolani pediatricians recommended,” she says. “And we went to a few support groups, which connected us to others going through the same thing and gave us hope when we heard about other babies reaching their NICU milestones for discharge.”
Stronger and grateful every day
Two years later, Vea’s family is busy yet thankful. “The kids are thriving! They attend preschool and play soccer,” Vea says. “They’re healthy and happy little guys.” Though they’re twins, they have individual interests, too. “Iona has a knack for puzzles and problem solving, and Kalai is so strong he’ll help bring in groceries from the car! It's amazing to see how they’re developing into their own people.”
The happy and healthy twins at age two. Photo courtesy Desiree Vea
Vea credits a lot of her family’s health to Kapiolani and the March of Dimes. “Without the antepartum (prenatal) care I received and the NICU care the boys received, they wouldn’t be as strong as they are today,” she says. “I’m just beyond grateful for the nurses and doctors at Kapiolani as well as programs like March of Dimes.”
In a full circle moment, Vea and her family were honored this month during the March of Dimes’ annual Hawaii Chef’s Feeding Motherhood event. The organization’s signature gala helps raise funds to support research, education, advocacy, and programs like the ones that were instrumental in supporting Vea and her babies when they needed it most.
Watch a recap:
March of Dimes: Everyone deserves a healthy start
Fajardo has served as the executive director of March of Dimes in Hawaii for the past three years. She was drawn to the nonprofit organization because of its mission and her desire to help give babies a healthy start. “Motherhood is my greatest and most rewarding role,” she says. “I’m a mother to a 26-year-old son, and while he was born with no complications, I would love every family to have their child or children be born with good health. Unfortunately, not everyone will deliver on time or not have it as easy as I did, so I want to provide resources, education, and support in the community.”
The main goal of March of Dimes is to end maternal health risks and deaths and end preventable birth and death. “One in 10 babies in Hawaii is born prematurely,” says Fajardo, “and we’re determined to improve the health of moms and babies through constant research, involvement in the community, and ensuring that every mom has access to quality health care.”
Important partnerships
When it comes to supporting families like the Vea ohana, Fajardo knows how critical strong partnerships are. “We have a part-time NICU Family Support Program in partnership with Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children that we fully fund on our own,” she says. “We have Vivien, our NICU Family Support Program coordinator, who provides support and resources to families, helping them through the most difficult time in their lives.” Fajardo has witnessed how thankful these families are when they show their support for March of Dimes programs and events. “It’s a full-circle moment,” she says.
During her time at March of Dimes, Fajardo hopes to continue spreading awareness about the nonprofit throughout the entire state. “I want to see our part-time NICU Family Support Program become a full-time program duplicated at other hospitals,” she says. “I’d like more supportive pregnancy care centers on Oahu and the Neighbor Islands. Eventually, I’d love for us to have a mobile van so that moms can easily access our resources and clinicians. Moms need us!”
Fajardo would also like to allocate more resources to mental health and postpartum services. “Most of all,” she says, “we want to be the leader in improving maternal and infant health in Hawaii.”
March for a cause
To make these initiatives a reality, March of Dimes holds fundraisers throughout the year, including March for Babies. This past May, 700 people participated in the walk in Honolulu. Fajardo credits Jennifer Awakuni, HMSA assistant vice president for Medicaid Programs, for a successful event. “As 2024-25 co-chair of the walk, she’s been instrumental in our success,” Fajardo says. “We’re grateful for her leadership and HMSA’s involvement with our organization.”
Jen Awakuni and her family joining the March for Babies.
March for Babies is a special event that unites the community. “I loved seeing people come together to take steps in making a difference for every family,” Fajardo says. “Each participant is walking so we can continue to elevate our mission.”
Along with donations and other fundraisers throughout the year, they’ve raised $120,000 out of their $220,000 goal for 2024. Though the walk is over, people can still get involved. They can donate on the March of Dimes website or check out other ways to give.
In step with the health of Hawaii
Led by Awakuni, more than 50 HMSA employees and their families and friends participated in the March for Babies walk in May to show their support for March of Dimes. Check out the video of the event and hear Vea share her story. Plus, Fajardo discusses how the March of Dimes and HMSA work together to improve maternal and infant health.
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