CINCINNATI — It is often said that twins have a special bond. Growing up together, they experience the world at the same developmental stage, in the same environment, and doing many of the same activities. Of course, like any sibling set, twins are their own unique beings, and no matter how close they are, their lives are different. And yet, the bond is strong.

What You Need To Know

  • Born 12 weeks premature, Claire and Brenna Watts travel frequently to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center for care

  • Ronald McDonald House offers a home to critically ill children and their families during medical visits

  • Inspired by their experiences, both are studying social work in college

This is certainly true for the Watts twins, Brenna and Claire who, born at 28 weeks, have lived much of their lives in and out of Cincinnati’s Ronald McDonald House (RMH). While Brenna has faced the most serious medical conditions resulting from premature birth, the impact has been shared.

“We’ve seen each other through the hardest times in our lives," Claire said. "I’ve watched her go through emergency bedside surgeries. When you watch someone that you love go through that, it’s really difficult."

For Brenna, the support of her family, and particularly from her sister, is critical.

“I remember seeing Claire for the first time after a major surgery in 2011, and her head was peeking out through the window as I went down the stairs at RMH." Brenna said. "She was bouncing off the walls she was so excited to see me."

Because of the seriousness of Claire’s medical needs, her lungs are seriously compromised and she’s undergone multiple surgeries. Both girls said it’s been harder to fit in at school. Frequent trips from their home in Connecticut to Cincinnati Children’s has meant long stays at RMH, a place the family called their second home.

The support and connection they’ve found at RMH has not just impacted their day-to-day, it’s shaped both girls’ future plans.

“I’ve grown up around people wanting to give back to the community, helping others, and it’s definitely shaped my life and what I’m interested in,” said Claire, who shares with her sister the goal of becoming a social worker.

Both said they would like to return to RMH not as a client, but as practitioners with a lifetime of experience.

“I feel welcomed and accepted for who I am and being able to help others in the future is what I want to do,” Claire said.