When Janae Dingaoyo delivered her twin sons at just 23 weeks, she was thrust into an overwhelming health challenge. Akenji and Asanti were born weighing barely more than a pound each, tiny and fragile, and both struggled to breathe.

The twins faced months of intensive medical care, including serious complications common among extremely premature infants. At two months old, Asanti required a delicate, non‑invasive procedure to close a hole in his heart, and later both boys were treated for a problematic eye disease.

Throughout their nearly six‑month stay, the family relied on Duke Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The Duke care team supported the twins through progress and setbacks, while also guiding Janae and her husband, Jon, through an emotionally taxing journey.

“They treated our babies like they were their babies,” Janae said. “They gave us the motivation and confidence that we could do it.”

The specialized care the twins received reflects Duke’s commitment to research‑driven neonatal medicine, where advances in treating extreme prematurity help improve outcomes.

Now nearing 2 years old, Akenji and Asanti are thriving, sharing playful moments that once felt unimaginable.