Mother’s love, community support help twins thrive after premature birth

MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—At 19, Dawn Wolfe’s life took an unexpected turn with a twin pregnancy. The college student shifted her focus, leaving school for a factory job to build a life for her children.

At 25 weeks pregnant, trusting her instincts despite her doctor’s initial assessment, Wolfe went to the emergency room. That day, 15 weeks early, she gave birth to twin boys, Brock and Brandon Ewing, who were immediately life-flighted to Columbus.

“Both boys weighed less than two pounds,” Wolfe recalled. They spent five months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) during what she described as an “extremely stressful time.”

Bringing her sons home was just the beginning of the challenges. The twins faced numerous health complications and frequent doctor visits. At one point, doctors suggested removing their ventilators, warning of potential severe disabilities if they survived.

“That was never an option for me,” Wolfe stated. “I believed their fate was in God’s hands. I prayed for their survival and was ready to raise them, no matter what their future held.”

Wolfe credits her faith and community support for her strength. “My tribe prayed, and that meant everything,” she said, expressing gratitude for the medical professionals and others who supported them.

Over time, Brandon grew healthy with minimal complications. Brock, however, is legally blind after multiple eye surgeries failed to restore his sight.

“So what did I do?” Wolfe smiled. “I taught Brock to adapt.”

She raised both boys to live fully, encouraging them to pursue their interests without letting disabilities define them. They learned to swim, roller skate, bike, and hike.

Brock learned braille in preschool and how to use a cane. He reads and writes braille, and his hearing and sense of smell are heightened. Despite his blindness, he has attended summer camps, made friends, and held temporary jobs. He remains determined to find permanent employment.

Navigating the world with confidence, Brock uses technology like desktop computers, iPhones, Apple Watches, Alexa speakers, and braille note devices. He even has a system for managing money by folding bills differently and identifying coins by size.

Wolfe emphasizes that she wasn’t alone, crediting the boys’ father, family, friends, doctors, nurses, and a dedicated aide, as well as the Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities, for their support.

This month, Brock and Brandon turn 25.

“Brock is a miracle baby who was never supposed to survive,” Wolfe reflected, expressing her hopes for his future happiness and well-being.

As Mother’s Day approaches, Wolfe offers advice to other mothers raising children with developmental disabilities: “Be patient. Be present. Balance discipline, love, and encouragement. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Take lots of pictures and enjoy every minute. It’s hard, so take care of yourself too. Try and fail, or try and succeed—at least you tried.”