Donation drive under way for parishioner's triplets

Friday, Jun. 12, 2020

DRAPER — Some weeks ago, when the restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic loosen up a bit up, allowing local Catholics to return to Mass, Mary Jo Duing was able to reconnect with some of her acquaintances at St. John the Baptist Parish.

It was then that she got an update from fellow parishioner Tish McWain, whose daughter Desirae is expecting triplets.

“At that point, Desirae was hospitalized, unable to see any family,” including her husband, Ryan Watts, and 3-year-old daughter, said Duing, who has known the McWain family for many years.

“Both Tish and I worked for Skaggs Catholic Center,” she said. “I had gotten to know Desirae as an usher at Mass, and then when she was accepted to nursing school” at the University of Utah. 

Desirae now is an RN for Intermountain Healthcare Infusion Services, and Ryan is an IT specialist for University of Utah Healthcare.  

“I recall Desirae telling me a story when they found out they were pregnant with triplets, which came as a complete surprise,” Duing said.

As a result of the conversation Duing had with McWain, a request was put in the parish bulletin for donations for some essential items for the triplets, such as diapers and baby wipes. Also, a collection bin was placed in the church’s gathering space.

“We all know life is expensive, and that having a baby is expensive, but having triplets triples the expense,” Duing said. 

Jennifer Kane, the parish’s office manager, said she thought the donation drive would be something positive for St. John the Baptist parishioners to focus on in today’s challenging world.

“I believe most people have an innate sense of wanting to help others, especially during these trying times,” Kane said.

Asking for essential items, like diapers, “proved to be a reasonable request for our parishioners,” Kane said.

“Pandemics can bring out the extremes in people, mostly out of fear of the unknown,” said Duing, adding that she is very grateful for the response that the Watts have received. 

After a three-week stay, Desirae was released from the hospital to return home to her family. The triplets are due in about two months.

Donations are still being accepted; they can be placed in the bin in the gathering space of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 300 East 11800 South, Draper.