Laine and Kai Botteril were born on September 11, 2012 at Belleville General Hospital. Laine was transferred to Sick Kids Hospital less than 24 hours later needing open heart sugery to repair his aortic arch. While the surgery has been successful, they have since been met with more troubling news.

Laine has been disgnosed with DIGeorge syndrome, which stems from a deletion on chromosome 22. At this time, it is unknown how Laine will be affected as DIGeorge has a wide spectrum. Kai, being the identical twin brother, was suspected to have the same condition and his recent test result confirmed this truth. This deletion happens in 1 in 6000 babies and is even more rare in identical twins. It has its greatest impact on the midline thorasic organs, the parathyroid, thymus, and the heart and it is what has caused the abnormalities in Laine's heart. At this time it appears that Kai has not been impacted cardiologically but he may very well be in the future.

As it stands right now, Laine will likely have another open heart surgery to repair his aorta again, as the arch is narrow and this will hinder him greatly as he grows. He also has a paralyzed vocal cord, a rare but not unheard of side effect from his heart surgery. He is likely to need another surgery to repair the cord.

How You Can Help:

So many of you have contacted the Botterill's, their families and closest friends to ask how you can help and all of your support has been greatly appreciated.

Truthfully, the help that is needed is financial.

Steve and Crystal have spent the last month in different hopsitals with their boys. There have been ongoing trips to Toronto, and will continue to be in order to meet the boys' medical needs. Additionally, they have a two year old son Duke who is staying with grandparents and waiting for his mom, dad and baby brothers to return home so they can be a family.

The goal of this campaign is to raise funds and awareness so Steve and Crystal can focus on their little men and not have worries about day to day costs.