Premature twin Ethan McGarry thrives despite early entrance to the world

Ethan McGarry may not have his sister beside him, but he will always carry her in his heart.

Three year old Ethan McGarry still says goodnight to his twin sister Amelia who was delivered stillborn. Picture Emily Barker.

Three-year-old Ethan McGarry may have lost his twin sister when he was born, but he still says goodnight to her every night before bed.

The Cairns twins were born around 20 weeks premature at Cairns Hospital in April 2021 at 22 and 23 weeks gestation respectively.

Amelia died a few hours after birth.

Her younger twin Ethan was born eight days later on April 25, and spent his first 135 days in a Townsville intensive care unit.

But he’s since grown into a cheeky, thriving three-year-old.

Their mum, Nicole McGarry, said it was a rollercoaster journey.

“But we try and focus on the positives rather than the negatives,” she said.

Dave and Nicole McGarry with three year old Ethan. Picture Emily Barker.

Ms McGarry described Ethan as a “shining light” with a big heart and bright personality.

“He’s got the cheekiest smile and he can light up the room no matter what,” she said.

“He’s softly spoken from all the tubes they put inside him, and he’s quite little for his age, but he’s very strong and can be quite stubborn at times.”

Despite his early entrance to the world, Ms McGarry said Ethan was a healthy child who was looking forward to starting kindergarten next year.

“He’s still got regular appointments with an occupational therapist and physio, but he’s doing extremely well,” she said.

Three-year-old Ethan enjoys playing with his little sister Rylee and big brother Mason. Picture Emily Barker.

Ms McGarry said Ethan has not forgotten his twin sister.

“We’ve got a memorial for her in the house and he always says goodnight to her,” she said.

“We talk about her every day and she’s such a big part of his story.

“We always say she sacrificed herself for him and watched over him during his time in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit).”

To honour Amelia’s memory, Ms McGarry and her husband Dave will take part in their second Ride for Isabel fundraiser in August.

“We did it last year when they were raising money for a special room for families who have lost babies, because it’s a bit sh*t to be in the birth suite and hear other babies crying when you’ve just lost your own,” she said.

Originally published as Premature twin Ethan McGarry thrives despite early entrance to the world