Billings Family Clings to Hope as Newborn Battles Rare Heart Condition

Just one day before welcoming their third child, Marcus and Margaret Twichel of Billings received the kind of news no parent is ever prepared for.

On April 16, doctors discovered that their unborn son, Nicholas, had developed Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), a life-threatening congenital condition where the left side of the heart is severely underdeveloped. Because it was caught in time, Margaret was rushed via life-flight to Children’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado, known for its world-class pediatric cardiac care.

A Brave Little Fighter’s First Moments

Nicholas was born on April 17 at 3:51 p.m., weighing a healthy 8 pounds, 3 ounces. But his first hours were critical. He was immediately intubated and taken into the cath lab for a life-saving procedure to stabilize blood flow.

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The very next day, he underwent another urgent procedure, and despite the odds, Nicholas pulled through. Slowly but surely, progress came: the ventilator was removed, and for the first time, Marcus and Margaret were able to hold their son in their arms.

The Road Ahead Is Long, But Full of Hope

Though Nicholas remains stable, his heart hasn't developed the strength doctors had hoped for. After exploring less invasive treatments, the team confirmed that Nicholas will need multiple open-heart surgeries in the coming months and years. His first surgery has already taken place, and while recovery is ongoing, another surgery is expected around the time he turns six months old.

If all goes well, the Twichels hope to return to their home in Billings sometime around Christmas. Until then, they remain in Denver, committed to Nicholas’ care and healing.

Keeping Their Family Together, Miles From Home

One of the hardest parts of this journey for the Twichels has been the separation. Their older sons, James (4) and Luke (2), stayed in Billings during the early weeks of Nicholas’ hospitalization. But last week brought a moment of joy and healing: the boys flew to Denver to meet their baby brother. It was the first time all five Twichels were in the same room together, an emotional milestone filled with happy tears.

Margaret plans to homeschool James for kindergarten while remaining by Nicholas’ side full-time. Marcus will be returning to work soon, managing the demands of his job with frequent trips between Billings and Denver. Though his job provides insurance and the Ronald McDonald House has been a lifeline, the financial toll of medical bills, travel expenses, and missed work is significant.

A Week of Big Wins

Despite the uphill battle, this past week has brought heartwarming progress. On May 26th, Nicholas was extubated and has continued to do well. Just two days later, he was moved out of the ICU and into the step-down unit.

For the first time, his parents can hold him freely, change his diapers, and enjoy a room with a closing door, comforts that mean the world to a family who’s spent so many weeks in a clinical, high-stress environment.

Next steps include weaning Nicholas off oxygen and helping him learn how to eat. If all goes according to plan, the family hopes to be discharged into temporary housing in Denver soon and enjoy a more “normal” summer together, just being a family.

How the Billings Community Can Help

The Twichels have been deeply moved by the outpouring of support they've received, not just from loved ones, but from kind-hearted strangers near and far. A GoFundMe page, created by Marcus Twichel, has helped ease some of the financial stress so the family can focus on what matters most: Nicholas’ recovery.

They ask that, above all, people continue to pray. “Your prayers are being answered every day,” the family shares. “We see it in every little step Nicholas takes forward.”

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If you’d like to contribute or follow Nicholas’ story, you can visit the GoFundMe here. Whether it’s a donation, a prayer, or simply sharing their story, every bit helps this Billings family feel a little less alone on their journey.