For several years, Stephanie Freels had been praying to God for something very special – to become a mother. Her prayers were finally answered on December 23, 2022. After struggling with infertility, Stephanie discovered she was pregnant. However, this was just the beginning of a remarkable journey filled with emotions and challenges.
Becoming a parent and creating a family is a dream for many people. It’s a way to pass on our legacy and experience the joy of watching our children grow. Unfortunately, some couples face the heartbreaking reality of not being able to have children of their own. The pain of disappointment can be difficult to comprehend, something only those who’ve experienced it can truly understand. Stephanie and Graham Freels, a young couple from Washington, were no strangers to this emotional struggle.
Stephanie, 27, and Graham, 29, had been trying to have children for several years. Each time a pregnancy test came back negative, their hearts broke a little more. Their journey was even more challenging due to Stephanie’s health issues, including a pituitary cyst diagnosis that caused hormonal imbalances and severe headaches. Despite the setbacks, Stephanie turned to her unwavering faith in God.
“For years, we had prayed for God’s blessing to have children, and finally, our prayers were answered! I always dreamed of having a large family, but I never imagined it would happen all at once,” Stephanie said.
On the day before Christmas Eve, Stephanie received the long-awaited news – she was pregnant. After fertility treatments, the test showed a positive result. The couple was over the moon with excitement, but their journey was far from easy.
During hospital tests, it was discovered that there might be more than one baby. In January 2023, their first ultrasound confirmed the extraordinary news – Stephanie was carrying quintuplets. The chances of having quintuplets are incredibly rare, with only 29 recorded cases out of over 3.6 million births in the United States in 2020.
The news was overwhelming for Stephanie and Graham, but they knew there would be serious risks involved in carrying five babies. They needed an experienced doctor they could trust. After thorough research, they found Dr. John Elliott, a renowned perinatologist specializing in multiple pregnancies.
The couple made the brave decision to move from Washington State to Phoenix, Arizona, to be closer to the medical team at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center. Stephanie focused entirely on managing her pregnancy while Graham maintained his job and worked remotely from Phoenix.
Stephanie had initially planned to carry the babies until the 34th week, but complications arose. She suffered from severe nausea and vomiting, known as hyperemesis gravidarum. Then, in the 27th week, the unexpected happened – Stephanie experienced intense abdominal pain and realized the gravity of the situation. She was rushed to the hospital, and after a thorough examination, doctors decided an emergency C-section was necessary. There was no time to waste. With a team of experts on hand, Stephanie delivered five beautiful miracles.
The babies, Adelyn, Eliana, Linnea, Fisher, and Harper – affectionately known as the “Freels Five” – were born prematurely, weighing less than two pounds each. They required specialized care in the neonatal department. Thanks to the professionalism and support of St. Joseph’s Hospital, the babies thrived, and after 76 days, they were discharged from the NICU and reunited with their parents.
Stephanie and Graham are grateful for the prayers and support they received throughout their journey. They are looking forward to creating new memories as a family of seven.
In a world filled with negativity, this heartwarming story reminds us that miracles do happen. Congratulations to Stephanie and Graham on their beautiful miracle babies. May their future be filled with joy and love as they watch their little ones grow.
