It’s been a decade since I lost one of my twin boys to undiagnosed twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Life has certainly moved forward since then, though the loss of Leo left a profound void. Despite that heartache, I persevered. I became a nurse and welcomed three more children into our family, alongside our surviving twin, Max. Life for Max has progressed too; he’s thriving in school, winning spelling bees, playing safety in football, and pitching in baseball. He proudly wears the number 6, a tribute to his twin brother and their shared birthday on March 6. Max is surrounded by friends and family, and everyone who knows him is aware of his bond with Leo.
When the opportunity arose to share the poignant photo I captured of Max at Leo’s grave, I didn’t hesitate. It was a heartfelt moment that illustrated the deep connection between twins, while also highlighting the devastating impact of TTTS on families. We had spent four years organizing yearly walks to raise awareness and funds for this cause, and sharing our story felt like an extension of that mission. If our experience could educate others about this silent thief that took my son, I was all in.
To my astonishment, the photo quickly went viral, traveling from England to the U.S. and beyond—Germany, Slovakia, Indonesia, Israel, and Japan. The response was overwhelming. I thought, “Wow!” People were resonating with the beauty I had seen that day when I found Max speaking to Leo’s grave about starting school.
However, not everyone was kind. While the majority of comments were supportive, the negativity was alarming: “This mother needs help,” “Someone save this family,” “This child is depressed,” and “This is staged; he never knew his brother.” I found myself retreating, crying in private. Did they really think that if they knew Max, they would still make those cruel remarks? The boy who beams when he talks about his twin. The one who shares his love for Elvis, a fellow surviving twin. The child who’s kind-hearted and eager to help others.
Max is not depressed. If I ever saw signs of sadness in my child, do they think I would just look the other way? Would I let him fundraise or share our story if it brought him pain? It’s a delicate dance between honoring his brother’s memory and allowing Max to develop his own identity. Leo is part of who Max is, but he does not encompass the entirety of Max.
Despite the harsh words from strangers, my resolve to share our journey has only strengthened. We will not let the negativity of others dim our light. We walk proudly in our shoes, carrying the legacy of Leo with us.
On their 10th birthday, I never imagined the way the world would respond to that photo. Max was able to fulfill his dream of raising awareness about TTTS and keeping Leo’s memory alive. From the beginning, it was always Max and Leo, and for a brief moment, our story brought them back together in the public eye.
Now, two months later, as baseball season is in full swing, Max is back to being his joyful self. We reflect on the articles written about us, but life continues, as it always does. In Max’s heart, I like to think he knows that Leo is at peace, their story is shared, and their legacy is secure.
Our story may not resonate with everyone, but it’s ours, and we take pride in it. We were honored to showcase the bond of two brothers, and in return, the world gifted us a lasting legacy for Leo.
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In summary, this journey has taught us about resilience, love, and the importance of sharing our story. Max and Leo’s bond continues to inspire, and we hope to raise awareness about TTTS while cherishing the memory of our beloved Leo.