The life of Liz Dixon is evidence that miracles do happen. Throughout her life, she has experienced numerous health problems. Childhood and adolescent memories include doctors, hospitals, and an assortment of specialists. Through it all, Liz remained vibrant, with a personality that makes others smile.
Liz feared that she would not finish high school due to poor health and temporary hospitalization. Yet, she persevered and completed school. Immediately after graduating high school, at age 19, Liz had brain decompression surgery to relieve a condition called Chiari Malformation. Scars have healed and she has recovered remarkably. Her neurosurgeon then advised Liz that if she wanted children, she should have them before age thirty.
Such a life as Liz’s can only be filled with more surprises and miracles. Her challenges turn into triumphs, and injuries to scars. Despite the past, Liz is always moving forward, looking to the future with optimism and enthusiasm. Motherhood was always part of that vision she had for the future.
NEWLYWEDS... PLUS ONE
While attending college at Ouachita Baptist University, Liz met Donny Wayne Dixon. Their unlikely paths crossed after Donny spent most of his life in Brazil on the mission field with his parents – Don and Billie. At age 22, Elizabeth Welsh-Dixon married Donny Dixon on December 14, 2002.
Logan Chase Dixon – the happiest, most lively baby on earth – was born to this young newlywed couple on April 14, 2004. Several problems developed during the pregnancy with Logan and he was born with only one functioning kidney. Liz lost her job early in the pregnancy, and was unable to find employment. In addition to his fulltime job, Donny took a side job and worked overtime whenever possible. Medical bills increased to the point where they were unable to pay for monthly expenses. Electricity was cut off at their apartment.
By the time Logan turned one month old, Liz and Donny moved in with Liz’s parents – Raymond and Karol. Liz had already begun writing letters to the various medical groups asking for some consideration in allowing them to set a minimum pay schedule for their medical bills. Liz’s parents helped set up a reasonable budget for the Dixon family of three. They sold their second car, dropped cell phone service, and steadily paid off debt while building some savings.
HEARTBEATS OF QUINTUPLETS
Just six months after Logan’s birth, while on birth control pills, Liz became pregnant once again. The challenges increased with another baby so soon after their first, while struggling to pay off medical debt. Even more so when her Ob/Gyn discovered five sacs and five heartbeats in the womb! An unplanned pregnancy turns into quintuplets?! How does one react to news like that?
Then early in the first trimester, the smallest of the five babies miscarried. Four viable, so far healthy, babies are now in Liz’s womb. A doctor at their church, with vast experience in multiple births requested to meet Liz and Donny. He offered to provide the necessary care to see her and her four babies to a safe delivery. The doctor says there’s a greater chance of winning the lottery than delivering quads conceived without fertility treatment. And, no – there is no family history on either side of multiple births.
HIGH-RISK PREGNANCY
Doctors hope to get Liz through at least 31 weeks of pregnancy. This will be roughly Mother’s Day of 2005. The “normal” due date for the Dixon Quads would be mid-July. However, quad delivery is far from normal. [Check for medical updates on Liz’s condition, the development and delivery of the Quads.]
By doctor’s orders, Liz was on bed rest at her parents’ home. She was unable to pick up her son Logan for months. Experiencing mild contractions, Liz entered the hospital on February 28, just two days after her 25th birthday. She will remain there until the delivery of her quads. Preterm labor at this stage could trigger delivery of dangerously under-developed babies. [Click here for post-delivery update]
UNCERTAIN FUTURE
Family is concerned and uncertain what the future holds. The demands of caring for 4 premature babies and another growing baby boy — 5 small children — are overwhelming. Many large sacrifices are being made to meet needs. Donny’s parents recently returned from their mission work in France to assist the family. Liz’s parents continue to provide the Dixons with a makeshift home in their spare bedroom. Someone is always tending to Liz, and elsewhere someone is always taking care of Logan. But the required care for five babies at one time will require vast changes and expense beyond the family’s reach.
The average cost of one baby in the neonatal intensive care unit is $100,000. [Take a Peak Inside the NICU] That could be over $400,000 for the Dixon Quads — just to get the babies home from the hospital, assuming no complications. Labor and delivery for Mom is normally about $17,000, but that’s for admission just in time to deliver. And Liz was admitted to the hospital a full two months before the babies were planned to be delivered, and has already undergone surgery due to complications.
The Dixons, like many other Americans, are under-insured in the face of giant medical bills. Donny’s medical insurance does not fully cover the medical needs of his family. Premiums cost him over $10,000 annually. And the out-of-pocket medical expenses left to the Dixon family are huge.
Once the babies are safely here and developing, the Dixons will be in need of so many other things – far beyond diapers by the thousands. The Dixon family of seven will require a vehicle sufficient to carry five child safety seats, plus Mom and Dad. Not to mention, a home for this growing family. Without significant generosity from the community, the Dixon’s may never have the opportunity to have a home of their own to raise their family.
GOD WILL PROVIDE A WAY
The Dixons and their extended family have long been Pro-Life. This phenomenon of multiples certainly requires demonstration of real commitment to what was previously just ‘lip service’ to a closely held belief. It requires that Liz and Donny prove their faith in the fact that God knows what He’s doing when he creates a life. To maintain hope that God will provide a way.
WHERE THE DIXONS MET
"OBU CAMPUS"
Ouachita ranked among the top 5 colleges in the region for academics, according to U.S. News & World Report. The city of Arkadelphia was named one of the "50 Fabulous Places to Raise Your Family: The Best Places to Live, Work and Play" published by Money Magazine. The reasons were "Small, friendly college town, great scenic beauty... very safe community." It's also a great place to meet wonderful people, best friends and soulmates included.
[ more about Ouachita ]
"OBU CAMPUS"Ouachita ranked among the top 5 colleges in the region for academics, according to U.S. News & World Report. The city of Arkadelphia was named one of the "50 Fabulous Places to Raise Your Family: The Best Places to Live, Work and Play" published by Money Magazine. The reasons were "Small, friendly college town, great scenic beauty... very safe community." It's also a great place to meet wonderful people, best friends and soulmates included.
[ more about Ouachita ]
GROWING FAMILY
"IT'S A BOY"
Liz and Donny found out they were having a boy, when pregnant with Logan. They celebrated the news with a blue cookie monster cake.
[ meet their first born son ]
"IT'S A BOY"Liz and Donny found out they were having a boy, when pregnant with Logan. They celebrated the news with a blue cookie monster cake.
[ meet their first born son ]
GRANDPARENTS X 5
"WELSHES & DIXONS"
Liz pictured here with her parents, Raymond & Karol Welsh, along with 4 of their 5 grandchildren: Hudson, Logan, Candice and Samantha.
[ more family pics ]
"WELSHES & DIXONS"Liz pictured here with her parents, Raymond & Karol Welsh, along with 4 of their 5 grandchildren: Hudson, Logan, Candice and Samantha.
[ more family pics ]
