What started as a routine visit turned into an unforgettable Christmas for a central Alberta family.
Leigh-Ann Sampson was scheduled for a C-section on Dec. 29, but a visit to the Red Deer Hospital for a routine stress test on Dec. 9, ended up in an emergency C-section.
Her twin boys, William and Spencer were born at 33 weeks and weighed less than four pounds.
The family, from Rocky Mountain House needed a place to stay over the holidays while the boys recover in the hospital – so they were reunited at the Ronald McDonald House in Red Deer over the Christmas holidays.
“We’re a little torn,” said Sampson, “because we wanted to be home for Christmas this year, but at the same time we’re very grateful we can be together and close to the boys.”
The family’s two other kids, Adrianna, 7, and Jackson, 4, joined the rest of the family in Red Deer.
Husband Steve Mulford’s mom Delyth, also joined the group in Red Deer.
“Leigh-Ann was really down at first,” said Mulford. “But as soon as she heard the kids and grandma could come, she turned a corner.”
The family added that the kids seem unfazed about spending Christmas at the Ronald McDonald House.
“If there’s anywhere else we had to be, I’m glad it’s here,” added Mulford.