NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – A Staten Island family living with the effects of prematurity is trying to help others cope.
When Jamie and Jianna Romano were born in 2001, four months early, they weighed 2.5 pounds combined. Just how small is that?
“My husband was able to take his wedding band and put his wedding band up the girl’s leg,” their mother Janine told WCBS 880’s Marla Diamond.
It was a heartbreaking journey for Janine.
“When you’re told that they only have a 10 percent survival rate, that’s tough to hear. And then when you look at them now, they’re growing strong, they’re feisty. You know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she said.
(Credit: Janine Romano)
(Credit: Janine Romano)
Jamie shows no signs of her early start in life, but her sister Jianna has cerebral palsy, autism and other challenges.
The girls’ mother has been involved with the March of Dimes on Staten Island for much of the twins’ lives, giving support to other mothers like her. The girls raise money and walk, too.
“(What does mommy and daddy tell everybody who helps with the March of Dimes?) Thank you!” the girls said.
The March of Dimes’ March for Babies is this Sunday.