Nationwide — When Ebony Ingram, a mother from North Carolina, went in for a check-up during her pregnancy, she never imagined the news that would follow. At just 27 weeks pregnant, she was diagnosed with leukemia—a moment that would turn her world upside down. In an instant, she went from expectant mother to a patient fighting for three lives: her own and those of her unborn twins.
Doctors at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center moved quickly, knowing time was critical. To give Ebony the best possible chance at survival and to protect the health of her babies, the decision was made to deliver her twins nearly 15 weeks early. What followed was a whirlwind of medical interventions, uncertainty, and unwavering courage.
Dr. James Dugan, clinical lead for stem cell therapy at Novant Health, described the challenge as one of the most complex scenarios his team had faced. “We were treating not one, but three patients,” he explained. “We knew it would require a coordinated effort from multiple specialties—from oncology to neonatal intensive care.”
Following the premature delivery, Ebony’s newborns were placed in the NICU while she began immediate cancer treatment. The road ahead was daunting. Her body was already exhausted from pregnancy, and now it had to endure the rigors of chemotherapy. Yet through it all, Ebony remained determined to fight—for herself and for the two tiny lives that had just entered the world.
“There were days I truly didn’t know if I could keep going,” she shared. “But I had a team—doctors, nurses, family—who lifted me up every single day. I just kept thinking, ‘I have to make it for them.’”
Now, months later, Ebony is back home with her twins, continuing her final phase of treatment. Though she still has a healing journey ahead, her prognosis is strong, and her spirit is even stronger.
“Looking back, I see nothing but blessings,” Ebony said. “I wasn’t sure I’d make it, and I wasn’t sure my babies would either. But we’re here. And now I get to hold them, love them, and share our story.”
Her experience is a testament to the power of medical care, faith, and the unshakable strength of a mother’s love. Ebony’s story isn’t just about survival—it’s about resilience, grace, and a future reclaimed.