PhD Student Celebrates Graduation and Birth of Twins in Hospital

Sarah Tov PhD student hospital graduation birth of twins Defends dissertation

By E.Baloyo , Parent Herald Jun 21, 12:20 pm

In an extraordinary display of resilience and determination, Sarah Tov, a devoted PhD student at the University of Washington, achieved two major life milestones within a single week, defending her dissertation and welcoming twin babies.

The capstone of her seven-year academic journey coincided with the early birth of her twins, turning a hospital stay into a unique festivity of both academic and personal achievements.

A Race Against Time and Health Challenges

As Sarah Tov approached the end of her PhD program in special education and disability studies, she and her partner, iea tov, anticipated a straightforward timeline.

The couple anticipated Sarah would finish her degree program and graduate before the birth of their twins, who were conceived through a participatory IVF process using iea tov's eggs and donor sperm from a close friend.

Nevertheless, as the pregnancy progressed, Sarah developed high blood pressure and other complications, challenging her early admission to the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Birth Center in Seattle.

On May 10, at 33 weeks and 6 days, Sarah delivered the twins via C-section, significantly earlier than planned. Despite these sudden developments, the support from the hospital staff turned a potentially stressful situation into a memorable celebration.

Celebrating BIrth and Graduation Amidst Challenges

Despite the medical hurdles, Sarah Tov successfully defended her study on May 7, just three days before the birth of twins. The staff at Virginia Mason went above and beyond to assure that Sarah's achievements were celebrated.

"The care team from the obstetrician clinic to the labor and delivery department was just really amazing in terms of how much they watched for us," said iea tov.

The hospital staff organized a special graduation ceremony for Sarah, complete with handmade confetti, a cake, decorations, and the graduation march played by one of the nurses.

Leizl Sapico, the obstetrician-gynecologist who delivered the twins, expressed her pride in celebrating Sarah's accomplishments. Sapico said it was truly touching to be there, they wanted to ensure that Sarah got to celebrate this great achievement despite the circumstances.

A New Beginning at Home

On June 7, after weeks of care in the NICU, the Tov twins, named Zayit Zohar and Simcha, were discharged. The Virginia Mason staff marked this milestone with a special graduation ceremony for the babies, emphasizing the close bond formed between the Tov family and the hospital team.

Back home, Sarah and iea tov reflect on the support they received, particularly as members of the LGBTQ community.

"Health care isn't always the most kind to being seen and celebrated, and throughout this process, we've been so fortunate to have spaces that are inclusive and embracing," iea tov noted.

The Tov family's journey is a testament to resilience, the significance of compassionate care, and the extraordinary capability to celebrate life's milestones amidst adversity.

Their story highlights the unique support of the Virginia Mason staff in marking these significant events, making it a truly memorable experience.

The family's gratitude and the hospital staff's dedication have set a heartwarming example of what it means to care for both the body and spirit during life's most critical moments.