QUADRUPLETS GAINING GROUND

11:35 PM CDT on Thursday, August 11, 2005
by Deborah Fleck, Dallas Morning News


IRVING – Every day they gain strength.

But it will be a long haul for the Dixon quadruplets, who were born 14 weeks early on April 13. Hudson and Samantha are finally home in Irving. But Candice and Madison remain at Presbyterian Hospital of Plano with medical problems.

Their mom, Liz, has faced her own medical battles, having overcome several infections and requiring several surgeries. She is doing better.

Dad Donny has his hands full, working full time. The couple also has a 1-year-old son, Logan. For now, home is at Liz's parents' house in north Irving.

Liz's grandparents Kennith and Katherine Owens are pitching in as well. They moved to Irving after Mr. Owens retired from his 41-year teaching career at St. Mark's School of Texas.

"I didn't expect retirement to be this busy," said Mr. Owens, who shuttles Liz to doctor's appointments and helps in other ways.

A fund for donations has been set up to help the family. Contributions may be made to the Dixon Quads Fund at P.O. Box 630444, Irving, Texas 75063-0444. The family could also use blood donations, diapers (they use about 280 per week), nanny help and housing.

"We are checking with builders to see if something will work," Mr. Owens said.

Many businesses have pitched in as well. The latest is Chick-fil-A. The restaurant at 6409 W. Plano Parkway at Park Boulevard in Plano will donate 15 percent of proceeds to the family from sales from 3 to 10 p.m. Aug. 20.

To learn more about the family, visit www.dixonquads.com.