Akenji and Asanti's Story
When Janae and Jon Dingaoyo married, they dreamed of starting a family together. That dream quickly came true — they were expecting twins! But only 22 weeks into the pregnancy, their joy turned into a terrifying reality. Janae went into labor far too soon.
She was airlifted from their local hospital in Burlington to Duke University Hospital, where doctors were able to slow Janae’s contractions and placed her on strict bed rest. Each day that passed felt like a victory. But on December 26, 2023 — only 11 days later — Akenji and Asanti were born, at 23 weeks.
Weighing barely more than a pound each, the twin boys were rushed to Duke Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), which is a Level IV NICU, the highest available level of specialized care for fragile newborns. For months, Janae and Jon watched as their tiny sons fought through challenge after challenge, slowly gaining strength, reaching milestones, and defying the odds. Finally, their family of four was able to leave the hospital — together.
From the moment they were born, Akenji and Asanti showed miraculous strength. Janae and Jon know their boys have a bright future because of the extraordinary care they received at Duke Children’s. Today, the boys are thriving, love going to the park and playing, and taking their first steps.
Because of Duke Children’s and the life-changing treatment we received, Akenji and Asanti will get to experience life! There is so much hope now for our babies that were once considered non-viable at 23 weeks. Our boys can do things we were never sure they’d be able to do!