2 Men, Referred to by Co-Workers as ‘Nurse Twins,’ Help Actual Twin Siblings, 10, During Lengthy Rehab Stay

At Toronto’s Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, an engaging and unique relationship has blossomed between two nurses, Joshua Legaspi and Michael Feir, who have affectionately earned the nickname of the “nurse twins.” Their camaraderie and dedication have become a source of joy and comfort for the young patients under their care, particularly for twin sisters Milayna and Naya Soares, who are currently receiving treatment at the facility.

Legaspi, 20, and Feir, 38, began their careers at Holland Bloorview on the same day, forging a close bond that sees them working most shifts together. Their playful personalities are complemented by their habit of dressing in matching outfits, which helps to bring a little extra happiness into the lives of the children they attend to. As Feir explains, “We usually catch patients when they’re most vulnerable, so we need to come up with ways to make sure that they’re having fun, they’re happy, they’re on track with their rehab.”

Milayna and Naya, 10, have faced a myriad of health challenges throughout their lives, having been born prematurely at just 30 weeks. This summer, they are in the hospital as Milayna recovers from surgery aimed at lengthening her leg muscles and tendons, while Naya adapts to life with a new prosthetic foot. Their medical journeys have been fraught with complications, including brain bleeds, cardiac arrest, and strokes, which have necessitated frequent hospital visits.

During their lengthy stay at Holland Bloorview, the twins have shared a room and developed a heartfelt bond with their nurses. Legaspi and Feir have made it a priority to engage with the sisters through various activities to lift their spirits. From blow bubbles to performing cartwheels, every effort has added an element of fun to the girls’ rehabilitation experience. “When we were bored, Josh grabbed some plastic cups and our squishies, and he made it into like a bowling game,” Milayna described, highlighting the creativity brought to their recovery process.

The Soares family has recognised the impact of Legaspi and Feir’s positivity on the twins’ rehabilitation journey. Their mother, Stephanie Soares, expressed gratitude for the encouragement her daughters have received. “Josh and Michael will take them for a walk sometimes and encourage them to use their new equipment and want to learn to walk,” she noted, appreciating the additional motivation this has provided for both Milayna and Naya.

Stephanie has also reflected on how Legaspi and Feir have been instrumental in easing some of the stresses that come with prolonged hospital stays. “There’s lots of stress and heaviness, but they definitely lighten the mood,” she shared. Her observations underscore how the nurses’ efforts go above and beyond the standard duties, demonstrating genuine care for their patients.

During this current hospitalisation, both sisters have shown outstanding progress. Naya, who once required braces and specific equipment, can now confidently walk around the hospital unit’s terrace. Meanwhile, Milayna is finding her independence, racing through the corridors using her walker. Their achievements reflect not only their personal determination but also the effective support from their nursing team.

Both Legaspi and Feir express hopes that the twins will carry the positive experiences from this rehabilitation into their future lives. “I really hope the kids remember the feeling of achieving a milestone here in rehab,” Feir remarked. He noted the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the courage and resilience shown by the children throughout their recovery journey.

With this exceptional dedication to nursing and patient care, Joshua Legaspi and Michael Feir indeed exemplify the essence of compassionate healthcare. Their ongoing commitment not only to their duties but also to nurturing the spirits of young patients has undoubtedly created a lasting impact at Holland Bloorview and beyond.