stacey's story

In 2013, Stacey and her husband, Ryan, were expecting triplets after years of
infertility. At 22 weeks gestation, Stacey delivered two identical girls and a boy. Being
born more than 17 weeks premature, their triplets were not even considered viable
by most hospital standards around the world. Baby Abigail passed away within
two hours of birth. Their son, Parker, lived for nearly two months in the NICU, but
mounting medical issues proved to be too much. Their son passed away in their
arms after 55 days.
 

"Because not only did I receive a massive blood transfusion to save my life, but Peyton and Parker – they received several. I can't even count how many.”

Peyton was their lone survivor, a healthy child who has overcome more obstacles
than most people experience in a lifetime. Peyton spent nearly four months in the
neonatal intensive care unit before finally arriving home in the fall of 2013.

“It takes a special person to be able to donate to the NICU,” Skrysak said. “Not
everyone has that perfect blood for the sickest and most fragile children.”

Skrysak thanks blood donors for helping her and her family. “...it really meant the
world to us. Because not only did I receive a massive blood transfusion to save my
life, but Peyton and Parker – they received several. I can’t even count how many.”

Stacey Skrysak is an award-winning television journalist based in Springfield, Illinois.
She and her family welcomed their rainbow baby, Piper Avery, in August 2019.

stacey, ryan, peyton and piper