“That biopsy literally changed our lives forever. Thankfully, our phenomenal GP, Dr Michael Setzer, insisted that David, who seemed to be struggling much more, be biopsied. “Once discharged, both boys struggled with their digestive systems and every doctor told us that it was purely a premature baby issue and would resolve itself. The twins were born at 32 weeks, relatively healthy, with regular premature baby issues. Jesse is a South African national athlete who runs his own karate schools, teaches private karate lessons, and is studying for a BCom Financial Management. Russ is a full-time karate instructor and international World Karate Federation referee, and Loren owns her own bookkeeping and accounting practice, “which allows me to work from home and be the full-time caregiver to Nathan and David, which is a 24/7 job”. We’re blessed with three spectacular sons, Jesse (24), and our identical twin boys, who were a big surprise.” They live in Johannesburg.

Going back to the beginning, Loren says, “Russ and I are happily married. The twins are essentially home-bound, but still see the world in all its beauty and dimensions. But “we’re a strong unit, and we fight on as best we can”. “Their health is a journey that no parent should have to share and no human being should have to endure,” says Loren. They haven’t swallowed food for four years now. They aren’t able to eat at all, not even a morsel of food, as they cannot digest it and it causes unbearable pain. “The simple explanation is that Nathan and David are in full intestinal failure,” says Loren.

Yet, at the same time, they and their family are facing an enormous challenge: both boys are very ill, with no cure and a poor prognosis. Indeed, “art is their happy place”, says their mom, Loren Sim. It’s clear that they are talented and have so much to offer the world. If you look at David and Nathan Sim’s paintings and drawings, you would be amazed to learn that the artists are 11-year-old twins.

If i were you book leslie margolis