Mack's Story
August 8th, 2023
Macauley Anthony Gibbs and his twin brother were born on August 8, 2023 at 26 weeks gestation. This came as a huge surprise to our family as everything had been relatively smooth up until this point. Just a few weeks earlier, we learned that Twin B, Mack, had a heart condition. He was going to be born with Tetralogy of Fallot, a heart condition comprised of 4 heart abnormalities. As far as heart conditions go, TOF is fairly common and the Congenital Heart Center at our hospital was very familiar with treatments, surgeries, and monitoring. In the days leading up to the boys delivery, our Maternal Fetal Medicine doctor began to have more and more concerns with Mack's state in the womb. We were unsure if he was going to survive until birth. Not long after this terrifying and heartbreaking news, we were rushing to the hospital when my water broke at 26 weeks and 3 days. When we were there we learned that it was not Mack who brought on this early labor, but his twin brother Theo. Looking back on things now we always say that Theo knew that Mack needed help that could only be provided outside the womb and so he made sure to give brother a fighting chance.
August 8th, 2023 - April 23, 2024
Mack's time in the NICU was long and eventful. Mack spent 259 days in the NICU and PICU at OSF St. Francis Medical Center after his birth. For 37 weeks, 3 different seasons, and 5 major holidays, our family spent every single day at the hospital. We were exhausted, but when it comes to the health of your child, you do whatever it takes. During this time Mack had 7 different surgeries, 4 esophagus dilations for his tracheoesophageal fistula (an abnormal connection between the esophagus and trachea), and countless x-rays, echocardiograms, ultrasounds, blood transfusions, and other labs and tests. Because Mack spent the first 8 months of his life in a hospital bed, he was also receiving physical therapy, occupational therapy, and feeding therapy as he was 100% G-tube dependent.
Despite the challenges, we made many lifelong connections during our time at OSF. The love and care we received from Mack's medical team will never be forgotten. This care and the support from our friends, family, and community, are what have inspired us to give back to others.
April 9, 2024
Mack had his first heart surgery on April 9th and recovered in the PICU for 2 weeks. Mack finally came HOME on April 23rd, 2024 after 259 long, long days in the hospital.
​
Mack's TOF repair opened our eyes, and his medical team's eyes, to the fact that our sweet boy was even more complex than we thought. After Mack's initial open heart surgery, he required another operation to have a stent placed. During this procedure we learned that Mack also was struggling due to pulmonary vein stenosis. These heart issues paired with his esophagus and eating troubles, small size, and susceptibility to illnesses made for a rough road for Mack. Regardless of these challenges, Mack smiled and enjoyed every moment.​
April 24, 2024 - August 30, 2024
I often refer to these days as "the best days of my life". Our summer as a family was full of pure happiness in every moment. The days were filled with floating in the pool, playing at the park, and going on walks, but also doctors appointments, therapy sessions, and ER visits. No matter how hard the days and nights got, it was worth it to have our boy home and make memories together. Mack had the opportunity to go to his first baseball game, his first family vacation, celebrate his first birthday, take family pictures, and more.
On August 30, 2024, we said goodbye to our beloved boy. Mack was a fighter until the very end. He spent his final moments surrounded by family and wrapped in his mom and dads arms.
During his 388 days on this earth, Mack impacted many people through his story and bright infectious smile. Our goal is to let Mack's legacy continue to positively impact the lives of those around us.
