Yesterday and later this week, the Southeastern community will have the opportunity to reach out and help one of its own.
After seven months of what appeared to be a normal pregnancy, Michelle and Anthony Blakeney’s twin boys Andrew and Anthony came into this world two months early, weighing only about two pounds each. While brain scans are normal and both are off the ventilators, the newborns still have a long road ahead of them before they will be able to be taken home from the hospital.
While they remain in the neonatal intensive-care unit, hospital and insurance bills have begun to build up for the Blakeneys. Though, they have found that local community members are willing to help in any way that they can.
“Everyone at Southeastern Louisiana University has been very supportive and helpful,” said Anthony Blakeney, instructor of industrial technology. “Dr. (Mary) Bostic wrote an article for The Daily Star to help us raise money for our family, and several of the administrative assistants in and around my department have given me several items for the babies, including clothes and other necessities, which I am very grateful for.”
Blakeney has also been a long-time blood donor, and members of the local blood center offered to help. Yesterday, Oct. 25, the Bloodmobile was on campus to accept blood donations that will benefit Blakeney and his family. It will return to campus on Thursday, Oct. 28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Donations will translate directly into funds to help the Blakeneys pay bills. They will receive $15 for every blood donation and $45 for every blood platelet donation.
In addition to donating blood, the Southeastern community can contribute through direct monetary donations. Donations can be made at LaCapital Federal Credit Union across the street from campus on North Oak Street, in care of Anthony Blakeney for the benefit of the Blakeney twins. Blakeney can be contacted by e-mail at [email protected].
Costs thus far for the twins’ care have totaled over $410,000 each, and the two are expected to remain in the hospital for approximately two more months. Insurance has helped somewhat, but costs the Blakeneys have had to take on themselves, including an out-of-network neonatal surgeon, have quickly become daunting.
During the twins’ pregnancy, there were no indications of possible complications. However, Michelle Blakeney went into labor very early, in mid-September. After the emergency caesarean section procedure, it was discovered that one of the newborns’ umbilical cord was knotted. Doctors believe this to be the possible cause of the early labor.
Even with obstacles ahead, Blakeney has remained optimistic and thankful.
“My wife told me 10 years ago, before we were even married, that she wanted me to give her twin boys or she would kick my butt, and we are so happy that her wish finally came true,” said Blakeney.