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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (April 20, 2001)
aprii 20. 2001 • j M t M r t j 15 Ii'iu ¡ i l l i v i d ì m e w s Your fresh flo w er p rofession a ls T hree S isters k X TACKSON’S FLOWERS 3804 N. E. Sandy Blvd. Portland, OR 97232 (503) 282-0657 • 1 (800) 303-0657 "PABA www.JacksonsFlowers.com Mov^Heart^ ^6^ Corvallis couple anticipate triplets by Jon ath an Kipp “for the *xr andi Washburn’s morn ing sickness was so bad, she and her partner, Shelley Willis, started talking about buying the book How to Raise an Only Child. But a routine examination K- three months into her pregnancy not only squelched that discus sion, it changed the Corvallis cou ple s life forever. \ The alpha fetal protein test indicated an abnormality. Most V likely, the baby had spina bifida or some other neural tube defect, H I < the women were told. The doctors ordered more tests. “We were in a panic,” Washburn said. Shelley Willis and Sandi Washburn are overwhelmed by the Willis’ father had died just community’s generosity weeks earlier. So the unexpected news was especially hard for the women to take. Washburn works with emotionally disturbed Flat on her back a week later at a Eugene children, and Willis is a partner in a small fine hospital, Washburn braced herself as she went arts framing studio. They’d have plenty of love in for a high-density ultrasound. The technician to spread around, but money was going to be a was noticeably quiet. “I just really need to con different thing. centrate on this one,” she explained. Newcomb thought the women would need Washburn stared at the monitor as the more space. A one-bedroom condo wasn’t going technician continued silently scanning her to be big enough. belly. The couple knew that, other than a A bigger car with seating for five would he deformity, twins also could make the test essential; the couple’s pickup and economy-size result abnorm al car wouldn’t hold the babies. The more she Finally, the technician spoke. “There are thought about it, the longer the list grew. three in there,” she said. “Sandi and Shelley are probably two of the Washburn and Willis burst into tears and best-hearted people that I’ve ever known,” laughed hysterically. They wouldn’t be needing Newcomb said. She knew the women wouldn’t any books about raising just one child. Instead, ask for assistance even though they have helped the couple would be reading up on raising three. so many others through the years. In fact, it soon hit them that they would need a So a group of friends started organizing. lot of things— three of everything. They planned a sort of barn raising: Garage The couple did not use fertility drugs, so a sales, an art auction and jars placed around multiple birth was completely unexpected. (An the community to collect donations are hut a anonymous friend provided the sperm.) After few of the activities planned to meet their the doctor confirmed that Washburn was carry $500,000 goal. ing three baby girls, he approached them about Part of that money will go toward paying for “selective reduction," a routine discussion for the 1,000 diapers a month that the triplets will couples facing a multiple pregnancy. need. “All we need is 100,000 people to give us They watched their tiny triplets for 90 $5 each,” Newcomb said optimistically. minutes before he broached the subject. They News of the triplets spread quickly around said they experienced every emotion possible town. Washburn and Willis said they are over during that time, from utter elation to out whelmed and moved by people’s generous offers right fear. to help out. Although both women are pro-choice, they The women aren’t worried about any nega weren’t interested in even discussing the tive reaction to their children having two options. “They were already kicking each moms. Willis pointed to the outpouring of love other,” Willis said about the babies. and support from the community, gay and straight, as evidence to the contrary. “This is iza Newcomb answered the phone and family values,” she said. heard her longtime friend Washburn say, Newcomb said God knew what he— or “Are you sitting down?" She soon learned that she— was doing when tht^se little girls were the doctors had thought something was wrong given to Washburn and Willis. “They couldn’t with the baby but that everything was fine. ask for better parents.” Then, Washburn told her the big news. The three sisters are expected to arrive in "Three of what?” Newcomb responded. early July. jH Within seconds, she was screaming in excite ment and shock. To donate to T he T riplet F u n d write to P.O. Box Two days later, Newcomb had a sort of 1055, Corvallis, OR 97333, or contact Liza New epiphany. She knew in her heart that her friends comb at 541-753-2653 or Liza@orefroncamera.com. would need help and that the community would step forward to make that happen. JONATHAN K ipp is a Just Out staff reporter who The mothers-to-be have modest incomes: can be reached at junathan@justout.com. of your business” f ramed/ty^studios na phone 503.493.2880 wholesale custom picture framing and framed »At K im T rip Wpggfo • • C G/m& to oar MKKwfCa -G- jy i Interest Rates are GREAT! Inventory's Low. N ow 's the Tim e to Buy...or Sell. S pecializing in Close-in Portland 503-416-2017 R e a l t y T rust GROUP, INC W here the D eals a r e ! HURRY. . . EXPIRES APRIL 30™ xw :->SÍ::>: o : v .-. v ía v .:. New 2001 Cavalier Sedan New 2001 Cavalier Coupe $2,500 Rebate on ALL 2001 CAVALIERS L www.wentworthchevy.com CMIVtOlIT w n i t c THfRf Expires close of business 4 30 01 107 SE Grand • 4 Blocks South of the Convention Center • 503-232-2000
