Team SidSib
Sybil Burroughs Cornish
(Team Mom)
On my 34th Birthday I was told I was having twin girls baby A and baby B.
The twins stopped growing at 30 weeks, so the doctor scheduled a C section November 25, 1996. Baby A weighed 4lbs 10oz, and baby B weighed 3lbs 9ozs. Baby B was rushed to the intensive care nursery and stayed for two weeks while baby A and I checked into our room, this was a Thanksgiving to remember. We named Baby A (Sidney Viola) and Baby B (Sibrina Victoria), my girls changed my life forever.
We were told their brains had not fully developed and needed lots of therapy, which entailed weekly nurse home visits from Howard County Hospital early beginning program. We were also told by their pediatrician, they would not grow or develop past 18 months which I couldn’t believe. Sidney and Sibrina were very active and happy babies so it was hard for me to believe. After 18 months, I quickly found them a new pediatrician.
At age 5, Howard County School System called me to inform me, the twins are non-verbal autistic, mild to moderate and would needs lots of therapy. We scheduled an appointment to visit Kennedy Krieger Institute.
During Sidney and Sibrina’s journey, I had to rethink raising nonverbal twins living on the autism spectrum. 2007 Walk for Autism on the National Mall, in Washington DC was our first walk. In 2008, I asked Shoe City (my Employer) if we could do the Autism Speaks puzzle pieces campaign at the Store level, in which they happily approved. Shoe City is our biggest supporter with all donations to Autism Speaks under Team SidSib-Shoe City brand.
Sybil’s Story with Autism Speaks Team Shoe City
Sidney Viola Harrison
…Baby A first born on the 25th of November 1996 at 4:08 pm. weighting in at 4lbs. 10oz . Sidney Harrison lit up the my heart with her infectious smile, she was a very happy baby. Sidney hit all her milestones except verbal skills, so we got her a speech therapist. She has good eye contact but no words. The doctors at Kennedy Krieger Institute recommended the twins be separated once they enter into middle school. At this point Sidney had developed her own personality.
Our family traditions are to travel to Walt Disney World in Orlando FLA every year during spring break. This has been our home away from home for many years. Sid’s nickname is “Spinderella”, she loves spinning around with her blanket, Sid is also called “Sid The Beast” from Beauty and the Beast on her rough days.
Sibrina Victoria Harrison
..Baby B The Manager and the Boss of all things…aka Brioncé
…To be continued
Leroy Malik Cornish
Life Partner… Director of Twin Green and TSS Training and Develop Center