2nd biannual fetal therapy reunion at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center

Over 200 infants and toddlers will converge at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center on Saturday, May 15 at a special event celebrating their lives and reuniting them and their parents with others who share similar experiences.

The common thread these children share is that they--as fetuses--received minimally invasive fetal surgery to treat adverse conditions that would otherwise have resulted in their death or irreversible organ damage.

Another common factor in their lives is Dr. Ramen Chmait, the Director of Los Angeles Fetal Therapy, who performed the life-saving surgeries on all of the children. Dr. Chmait treats a variety of conditions that afflict the fetus. The most common condition affecting fetuses is Twin Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS); if untreated early in pregnancy, there is approximately a 90 percent chance that both twins will die.

"Looking at my twin boys now, you would never know that they were diagnosed with stage 3 TTTS on May 20, 2008. I have spent everyday since then thanking God that Dr. Chmait was able to save my little boys," says Tina Loftin Smith.

Dr. Chmait has performed over 300 fetal surgeries in Los Angeles, and many of these miracle babies will be present at the reunion. Numerous parents are already acquainted via a Facebook group created by one of Dr. Chmait's patients, and they will have the opportunity to unite once again on May 15.

"The first time I met these boys and girls, they were still in their mother's womb. It will be a treat to meet them again face-to-face," says Dr. Chmait.

The 2nd biannual fetal therapy reunion will take place on Saturday, May 15 from 11a.m. to 2:30p.m. on the grounds of Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, located at 1300 North Vermont Avenue in Los Angeles. The reunion will feature activities for the children, music, food and family fun.