In the fall of 1995, two twin girls were prematurely born, weighing in at just two pounds. Brielle and Kyrie Jackson of Westminster, MA, spent their first few weeks fighting for their lives in separate incubators.
Kyrie was the stronger one of the twins. At three ounces heavier, she seemed to be thriving in the incubator while Brielle struggled to survive. At one point, Brielle's breathing became shallow and her heart rate dropped drastically. The doctors tried everything they could, but nothing seemed to work. But before it was too late, a quick-thinking nurse decided to put the two babies in the same incubator. This was a move that had never before been done in the U.S. — but something incredible happened.
As soon as Kyrie was placed next to her sister, she reached over and placed her arm around Brielle's body. Suddenly, Brielle's heart stabilized and her temperature returned to normal. A photojournalist just so happened to be at the hospital at the time and captured this miraculous moment. As a result of the sisters' hug, the power of touch was revealed and a dying baby was saved. That photo has become known around the world as "The Rescue Hug."
Read on to see what Brielle and Kyrie are up to today, 20 years later…
In 1995, Brielle and Kyrie Jackson spent their first few weeks in separate incubators fighting for their lives. Brielle's breathing became shallow and her heart rate dropped drastically. Miraculously, a quick-thinking nurse decided to put the two in the same incubator. Kyrie immediately reached over and put her arm around her. Brielle's heart stabilized and her temperature returned to normal.
At the time, this procedure had never been done before in the U.S., though it mimicked something seen around the world known as "Kangaroo Care." This is usually done between a parent and premature baby by placing the infant in direct skin-to-skin contact. Kangaroo Care can help with emotional bonding and keeping the baby warm.
At the moment the dying baby was saved by her sister, a photojournalist happened to be at the hospital and snapped a picture. His photo of "The Rescue Hug" became a worldwide sensation and highlighted the healing power of touch.
It's now 20 years later, and twins are all grown up — though they remain closer than ever. They'll randomly Google their story and remind themselves of the power they've had on the medical and parenting communities.
The simple, quick-thinking move made by their nurse was something that not only saved a life, but showed the medical community the profound impact a single touch can have on someone.
The power of touch is an incredible thing. Thank God the photographer was there that day to capture this historical moment. If you agree, please SHARE this with your friends on Facebook!
