Carsen & Blake

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Carsen & Blake

Ages: 11

Diagnosis: Born at 26 weeks

Lisa Uesugi, Photographer

Carsen and Blake Otto were born prematurely at 26 weeks; each measuring just 12 inches in length and weighing barely a pound. The boys were on ventilators for eight weeks and suffered numerous blood, lung and bladder infections. Like Devin, Blake had Patent Ductus Arteriosus, a condition where abnormal blood flow occurs between two of the major arteries connected to the heart. Carsen had a catheter, or central line, implanted because the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) team could no longer access his tiny veins. After four months in the NICU, both boys were able to go home. Carsen and Blake currently attend St. Anthony School. Blake enjoys reading and swimming and is an entrepreneur. Carsen is the athlete, participating in basketball, volleyball and swimming. “Having both of my children born prematurely was not easy,” said their mom, Donna. “Our family wants to show other families of premature babies that there is always hope, even if it may seem hard to find at times. The doctors and nurses in the NICU are extremely caring and supportive – your child is in good hands here at Kapi‘olani!”

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