Reality grows closer and closer

BY DANA SCHAUMBURG

DANVILLE October 23, 2006 11:10 am

— That healthy glow of a pregnant woman radiates from Jenny Ferrill’s face as she prepares for the birth of her quintuplets.
A recent doctor’s appointment revealed all of the babies’ organs and anatomies are normal. Each baby weighed about one pound at the appointment.
“I just want to hurry up and get December here,” Ferrill of Danville said, adding she still worries about the babies’ health and hopes to carry them safely inside her for as long as she can.
On Oct. 30, Ferrill will reach the 24-week mark in her pregnancy. If she isn’t hospitalized before then, she will be admitted to Missouri Baptist Hospital in St. Louis.
“Obviously, we want to go way beyond that,” she said.
Ferrill will be on complete bed rest and thinks some of her fear about the babies’ well being will subside once she’s in the hospital.
“If there’s an issue that comes up, it can immediately be addressed,” she said.
Ferrill knows it will be difficult to be away from her husband, Pete, and their families.
Still, the positive response from the entire community since news of the upcoming birth emerged buoys her.
“It just seems like everybody has really rallied around the idea of the babies,” she said.
Funds for five
A benefit for the expectant couple will be from 4-8 p.m. Sunday at Turtle Run Golf and Banquet Center. Organizers hope the support the family already has seen translates into a good crowd.
“I’m getting a little apprehensive about what the turnout is going to be,” said Karen Butikas, Jenny Ferrill’s mother.
Organizers would like people to buy tickets in advance so they can plan for food, but tickets also will be available at the door. Advance tickets are on sale for $8 per person at Latoz Hardware in Westville and the Education Personnel Credit Union, Charlotte’s and Snappers at Turtle Run in Danville.
The event includes live and silent auctions, a disc jockey, 50/50 raffle, a meal and a Halloween contest for the three best costumes.
“We have some wonderful gifts to auction off,” Butikas said. “A lot of wonderful people have contributed.”
The meal includes Italian beef, chili, potato salad, desserts, hot dogs and more. Items to be auctioned off include three pairs of diamond earrings, a weekend boat trip, gift baskets and gift certificates.
Ferrill’s co-worker, Chris Christian, collected the donated items for the benefit. They work at Catholic Charities in Danville, and Christian said her co-workers miss her and are praying for her.
Christian asks people for prayers as, well as money and gift certificates.
“I think it’s wonderful, and I think she’s going to be just fine, and I think the babies are going to be just fine,” she said.
While organizers get the word out about the benefit, Ferrill is preparing to go to the hospital to give birth to three boys and two girls. She continues to go to water therapy daily and can’t do anything around the house.
“I try to have a positive attitude,” she said, adding prayer helps get her through.
Excitement
People have bought baby clothes, and Ferrill has been directing work on the girls’ room, which features a cradle her grandfather made. She also was able to buy some outfits for the babies.
“I’m excited,” she said. “Seeing everything come together makes me want to get them here even more.”
Another new experience for the couple is the camera crew that accompanies them to appointments and will be there at the birth. A company working with The Learning Channel plans to submit the documentary for television.
“It’s a little unnerving,” Ferrill admitted, adding the couple thought it would be a great gift to the babies to have the beginning of their lives documented.
Despite all of the changes and challenges, Ferrill knows family, friends and strangers are wishing them well.
“We’re very thankful for the support that we’ve been receiving,” she said.
COMING UP
A benefit for Pete and Jenny Ferrill, who are expecting quintuplets, will be from 4-8 p.m. Sunday at Turtle Run Golf and Banquet Center.
Tickets are available in advance or at the door. The price is $8 for adults and children older than 12. Children 12 and younger get in free.
Anyone who wants to donate can call Karen Butikas at 267-3829 or make a deposit at the Education Personnel Credit Union in Danville.
BACKGROUND
Jenny Ferrill of Danville had fertility injections to help her get pregnant, but she didn’t have the type that causes multiple births.
Everyone involved hopes the babies — three boys and two girls — will make it until 31 weeks, which is the week of Christmas.

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