What began as a highly anticipated delivery quickly became a fight for survival when Evilin and her husband, Bill, welcomed their three daughters nine weeks early at INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center. Complications during the C-section led to severe blood loss, emergency surgery and an unexpected cancer diagnosis, turning one of life’s happiest moments into an unimaginable medical crisis.
Evilin had been receiving prenatal care from Sumeeta Nanda, M.D., and was admitted to the hospital for bed rest after developing preeclampsia. The plan was to closely monitor her condition until her expected delivery date. However, when Evilin’s blood pressure continued to rise and it became clear it was no longer safe to wait, physicians made the urgent decision to deliver the babies early.
Hoda Maarouf, M.D., delivered the triplets and immediately led the rapid, life-saving response when Evilin began experiencing severe internal bleeding. Multiple blood transfusions were started, made possible by blood donors in the community, as the medical team worked to stabilize her. During surgery, they discovered a large mass and made the decision to remove it and send it for testing.
During cases like Evilin’s, access to a stable blood supply is critical. Our Blood Institute provides blood to all INTEGRIS Health hospitals across Oklahoma, ensuring patients have the blood they need in emergencies, during complex deliveries and throughout cancer treatment.
Evilin spent several days in a medically induced coma and received more than a dozen blood transfusions while her care team worked to save her life, each one playing an integral role in her survival. “It was terrifying,” Bill said. “There were moments I truly thought I might lose my wife. But every doctor and nurse showed up for us with such calm, compassion and support.”
While Evilin fought for her life, the couple’s three daughters, Ani, Isabella and Xochitl, were cared for in the neonatal intensive care unit at INTEGRIS Health Children’s at Baptist Medical Center. Born prematurely but stable, they remained there for approximately one month before going home one by one.
Days later, pathology results confirmed Evilin had stage 2 dysgerminoma, a rare form of ovarian cancer. “In a way, our girls saved my life,” Evilin said. “The type of cancer I have doesn’t show up on typical markers, and without everything that happened during delivery, we likely wouldn’t have known until it was too late.”
One of the most emotional moments came four days after delivery, when an ICU nurse helped wheel Evilin to the NICU to meet her daughters for the first time. “As she reached into the isolette and touched each of them, I knew she truly felt like a mom,” Bill shared. “In that moment, I felt immeasurably blessed that she had survived.”
Now five months old, the triplets are thriving, each developing their own personalities. Their parents say the girls brought joy and comfort during Evilin’s ongoing cancer treatment and recovery. “I am so proud of Evilin’s strength and will to be the best mom she can be, even on the worst of days,” Bill said. “Few people endure the trials she has faced in the last year. Delivering triplets in itself is a feat, but she has stood tall through the surgeries and chemotherapy.”
The family credits the INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center physicians, ICU nurses, NICU caregivers and support staff for saving Evilin’s life and caring for their daughters with compassion. “I wish I could remember all the names of the nurses and doctors involved in her care at INTEGRIS Health, but I’m grateful for them and will forever remember their faces,” Bill shared. “The NICU and ICU nurses were particularly kind and supportive.”
Evilin has since been declared cancer-free, and she and her family are embracing this new chapter with gratitude. They remain thankful for the coordinated care that carried them through the most crucial moments. This story is a powerful reminder that rapid medical response, multidisciplinary teamwork and early detection can make all the difference, especially when facing complex and unexpected diagnoses.
Blood donors also play a vital role in stories like Evilin’s. To help ensure patients have the blood they need when it matters most, schedule a donation.
