A Joyful Beginning
When Lonnie and Michelle Somers learned they were expecting twins, they were overjoyed — and full of hopes for their future as parents. But that excitement was soon overshadowed by a diagnosis of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), a rare and life-threatening condition affecting twins who share a placenta.
Refusing to Accept Hopelessness
Faced with almost certain loss and limited treatment options, the couple refused to accept hopelessness. They searched for information, connected with specialists, and traveled to Florida for fetal surgery that ultimately saved their daughters, Ashley and Aspen.
A Defining Moment of Purpose
“That experience opened our eyes,” says Lonnie Somers. “There was so little support or guidance for families facing these diagnoses. We knew we had to do something to help others navigate what we went through.”
From Personal Journey to Public Mission
From that determination, the Fetal Health Foundation (FHF) was born in 2006. What started as a single family’s effort to raise awareness and provide support has grown into a national nonprofit dedicated to guiding families through complex fetal syndromes, connecting them with medical experts, resources, and a compassionate community.
Expanding a Lifeline of Support
Over the past two decades, FHF has expanded its reach, offering educational programs, advocacy, and peer support to families across the United States and internationally. Its founders’ mission remains clear: no family should face a fetal diagnosis alone or wonder, “If only I’d known.”
A Living Testament to Hope
Today, Ashley and Aspen are thriving young adults — a living testament to the power of timely care, informed decision-making, and unwavering support. Lonnie and Michelle continue to lead FHF, ensuring that the lessons of their personal journey translate into hope, guidance, and practical help for families facing similar challenges.
Transforming Fear into Empowerment
FHF stands as a bridge between families and the medical expertise, resources, and community they need — transforming fear and uncertainty into knowledge, support, and empowerment.
