The University of Toledo

Steve and Laura Cassidy have had many challenges since April 22, 2007.

Regan, left, and Jayden wait to have some cake at their second birthday party in April.

On that day, their twin sons, Jayden and Regan, were born 13 weeks premature. After being born with an underdeveloped respiratory system and undergoing heart surgery, the twins have been in and out of hospitals for the past two years.

Regan was born with cerebral palsy among other complications; during the first few months of birth, he endured an emergency tracheotomy to aid his breathing. From the tracheotomy and intubation, Regan’s vocal cords were paralyzed and he couldn’t speak.

Shortly after birth, Jayden’s hearing was impaired due to an antibiotic that is given to premature babies that can cause hearing loss.

Regan’s medical problems have continued to be up and down. He endured pneumonia twice within two months and is scheduled to undergo airway reconstruction after a tonsillectomy.

Despite the many medical problems these twins face, Jayden and Regan continue to defy the odds. In 2008, Jayden received a Cochlear implant, which has enabled him to hear when it is turned on. Regan is now walking, running and slowly beginning to speak.

Shelly Cassidy, the twin’s grandmother and UT admission analyst, spoke of their progress: “I can’t tell you what a joy it is to hear both Regan and Jayden say ‘dada,’ ‘papa,’ ‘mama,’ ‘hi’ and other little words. We thought that day would never come.”

The Cassidy family remains strong and hopeful about the twins’ conditions and will hold a fundraiser Monday, June 15, at Max and Erma’s at 1391 Arrowhead Drive in Maumee. Print this ticket and present it to the server, and 20 percent of the sales will help with Jayden’s and Regan’s medical expenses. The ticket is valid for lunch, dinner and carryout.

For more information, contact Cassidy at rachelle.cassidy@utoledo.edu or call at 419.530.5734.

This entry was posted  on  Thursday, June 11th, 2009 at  5:15 am and is filed under  Events, UToday.
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