to support families affected by ​

TTTS

for Ava & Emma

5K 

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Since 2017, we have raised nearly $43,000 to support the TTTS Foundation – a truly remarkable achievement! We are so grateful for your support, donations, time and, most importantly, love.

Our Story

Hi there. My name is Andrea, and I'd like to welcome you to our website.

 

In March of 2017, I was diagnosed with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (also known as TTTS). TTTS is a condition in which the blood flows unequally between twins that share a placenta (monochorionic twins). Without intervention, TTTS can be fatal for both babies. TTTS is very uncommon, and occurs in about 10 to 15 percent of monochorionic, diamniotic (two amniotic sacs) twins. Every mother of twins sharing a placenta should be aware of the possibility of TTTS because they need to be followed more closely during the pregnancy. 

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TTTS can cause a host of problems, such as preterm labor, heart and respiratory failure and other birth defects. On April 17, 2017, we prematurely gave birth to two beautiful twin girls, Ava Rose and Emma Linn. Sadly, they both passed away a few hours later due to complications from TTTS, and our lives would never be the same.

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We then got in touch with the TTTS Foundation, a wonderful, life-saving organization that offers support, resources and often financial assistance for families in need. We were so grateful to know we weren't alone in this fight.

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As proud Melrose, MA residents, my husband Michael and I want nothing more than to keep our daughters’ memory alive and to make a difference in our community by helping to spread awareness of TTTS and offer support to those struggling with this disease. There are over 40 diagnoses of TTTS every month; many families don’t even know where to start when they learn they have this condition. With your support, we can help make a difference in the lives of families who are carrying twins and higher multiples.

 

You can learn more by visiting: www.tttsfoundation.org.

 

Donate to the TTTS Foundation

The work to spread awareness for TTTS doesn’t stop! The TTTS Foundation accepts donations year-round and every donation of any size is always appreciated. Please click the button below to donate!

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Have a question? Look no further...

TTTS Questions

What is twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome?

Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) is a disease that occurs in identical twins and higher multiples who share a common monochorionic placenta. The shared placenta contains abnormal blood vessels which connect the umbilical cord and circulations of the twins. TTTS can cause a host of problems, such as preterm labor, heart and respiratory failure and other birth defects. The events in pregnancy that lead to TTTS are all random. TTTS is not hereditary or genetic, nor caused by anything the parents did or did not do. TTTS can happen to anyone.



Who is the founder of the TTTS Foundation?

The Foundation was created by Mary Slaman, of Bay Village, Ohio, after her twin pregnancy with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome in 1989. Everyone in the organization has experienced TTTS and are working together to fight the disease and do everything possible to save the lives of future children and end the suffering brought on by this disease. Mary has devoted her entire life to fighting twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome as a promise to her twin boys Matthew and Steven on the day of their birth, December 7, 1989.



Can you explain a little bit about the TTTS Foundation?

The Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome Foundation is the first and only international 501c.3. nonprofit organization solely dedicated to providing immediate and lifesaving educational, emotional and financial support to families, medical professionals and other caregivers before, during and after a diagnosis of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. The Foundation is dedicated to saving TTTS babies, improving their future health and care, providing NICU, special needs and bereavement support, and furthering medical research to keep families together.



Where will my donation go?

All proceeds from the race and any other donations will go directly to the Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) Foundation. The Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome Foundation is an international, 501c.3. nonprofit organization.



Will my donation be tax-deductible?

Yes! All donations to the TTTS Foundation are tax-deductible. The Federal Tax ID# is 34-1740578.



How exactly will my donation help?

Your donation will help in a number of ways: *Help fund the Circle of Care program. This program provides families with financial support for expenses when needing specialized treatments and procedures, including hotel and travel expenses. You can become a member of the Circle of Care Group and help sponsor another diagnosed family to receive treatment. *Help fund grants to aid in bereavement expenses and bereavement care packages. *Help fund family grants which offers services such as paid time off after a loss, help with groceries to make sure that mothers are eating properly, and help with rent for a few months during the pregnancy so mothers are able to afford to be on bedrest. All donations also help to continue to provide educational and emotional support through phone and social media support groups.



How can I find out more information about TTTS?

You can visit the Foundation's website at www.tttsfoundation.org for more information on ways you can help.



Where can I donate?

You can donate online here: https://www.tttsfoundation.org/donations.htm



What significance does the magnolia tree have in this event?

In March of 2017, Andrea & Michael Galvin were diagnosed with TTTS. Three weeks later on April 17, they prematurely gave birth to their beautiful twin girls, Ava Rose and Emma Linn. Sadly, they both passed away a few hours later due to complications from TTTS. The magnolia tree blooms every year in the springtime, but only for a short while. Ava & Emma were on this earth for only a short time, but made a lasting impact on so many lives. Andrea & Michael's love for their girls will always be in "full bloom." The goal of this race is to keep Ava & Emma's memory alive, and to stand up to the fight against TTTS so no other family suffers the pain of losing their twins or higher multiples.



Event Questions

When and where is this race?

Our race will be held on Sunday, April 14, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. in Melrose Common in Melrose, MA.



What is the route of the race?

The race will start at the Melrose Common starting on Sixth Street (Between East Foster and Laurel Street) to Swains Pond Avenue, then right onto Lebanon Street then right onto Grove Street then left onto Larrabee Street then right onto First Street then right onto Sixth Street to finish. A detailed map is below for your reference:



Can I run/walk with a stroller?

Absolutely! We kindly request that all strollers start at the back of the race. Thanks for understanding. Please note: there is NO stroller fee and you do not have to register your little one(s) for the race. The waiver you sign upon registering will cover you and your family. Please ALWAYS ensure the safety of your little ones at all times!!!



Can I run with a pet?

Unfortunately, no animals are allowed at the race. Thanks for understanding!



Is the course difficult?

Not at all. Check out the course map below:



Will there be bathrooms at the race?

YES! We will have two (2) portable restrooms on site, thanks to our friends at The Throne Depot. However, there are plenty of local businesses (Starbucks, Bruegger's) that have public restrooms, located on Main Street (about a 5 minute drive and 10 minute walk from the start of the race). Please plan accordingly. Thanks!!



What comes with my registration?

With your $25 registration fee, the first 175 registratants will receive a FREE Love Blooms T-Shirt. Please make sure you note your T-shirt size when you register! Please note: registration fee will increase to $35 on the day of the race.



Can I use my bike?

We're sorry, but there are no bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, roller blades, or animals allowed. Just individual runners, walkers, and strollers.



Will I be able to walk the course?

Of course! We just ask that all those planning to walk the course stay up against the curb or stay on the sidewalk. We will have police officers stationed all throughout the course to ensure everyone's safety. All walkers and strollers will be asked to start at the back of the race to let individual runners go first. Thanks for your cooperation!



Will there be parking?

Yes, there will be plenty of on-street parking all around the Common, however, please plan accordingly and carpool if possible. We ask all participants to respect all parking signs, especially signs near the Melrose Fire Department.



Is there anywhere I can't park?

Yes! There will no NO PARKING signs along key areas of the course, so please adhere to these notifications. Specifically, there will be no parking on: *1st St. to E. Foster St. *6th St. from E. Foster St. to Larabee St. *1st St. and Larabee to 6th St. Thanks for your cooperation!



 
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Contact Andrea to learn more about the event, get information about becoming a sponsor, ask a question about TTTS or anything else! 

 

© 2020 Love Blooms 5K Walk/Run to Fight TTTS in Melrose, MA