On December 12th, 2013 two tiny little girls were born. At just 31 weeks, they were gravely ill with a rare disease no one knew a lot about – Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence. This year, Emilie and Mathilde, known as the TAPS twins, will turn 10 years old!
Over the past 10 years, their birth photo has become synonymous with TAPS, and has been used to educate many people about this rare complication for twins.
And now, for their 10th birthday, we want to raise money for The TAPS Support Foundation to continue supporting research and creating more awareness about TAPS worldwide.
From now until the 11th of December, 2023, we’ll be taking donations – but there’s a fun twist.
If we manage to raise €500, then we will do something fun for you – we’re going to recreate some photos!
Emilie and Mathilde’s Birthday Photos
This beautiful photo is taken with 2 very small babies and one very tired, but grateful mum. The importance of Kangaroo Mother Care after a complicated pregnancy is real but creates lifelong memories. (For more information on Kangaroo Mother Care, please visit this page)
In this picture, I can’t sum up the emotions that I’m feeling – after a turbulent pregnancy, followed by a lot of stress with an unknown diagnosis. All I know is that finally, my girls are safe in my arms.
– Stephanie
In the photograph, the girls weight just 1.6 kilograms and 1.1 kilograms. At age almost 10, they’re closer to 30 kilos each! If we raise enough money, we’ve got permission to restage this photograph in a “Then and Now” style in the hospital they were born in.
On the day, the girls will also deliver cake and treats to the doctors and nurses who looked after them 10 years ago, and take photos with the team.
Can you help us reach our goal? Donate via the button below – choose “Emilie and Mathilde’s 10th Birthday” in the drop down box!