A family joke about overlapping hospital stays turned into a joyful reality this week at AdventHealth South Overland Park, where sisters welcomed their babies on the same day, just 4 hours apart and only a few doors down from one another.
Despite having due dates several days apart, Kayla Donahue on March 8 and Katy Illig on March 12, both sisters went into early labor and delivered on March 5, 2026.
Illig went into labor first on March 4. Donahue stopped by the hospital to visit her, then returned home, only to go into labor overnight. By the next morning, both sisters found themselves admitted to AdventHealth South Overland Park.
Donahue and her husband welcomed their third child, a daughter named Sophie, at 1:09 pm, weighing 7 pounds, 1 ounce. Just 4 hours later, Illig and her husband, delivered their first child, a son named Harrison, at 5:55 pm, weighing 7 pounds, 7 ounces.
The sisters’ parents, who live 6 hours away, were especially grateful to be in town for both births.
“I think the most special part was telling our parents together,” said Illig. “Seeing their reaction and the shock on their faces was really special.”
After Harrison was born, Donahue walked her new baby girl, Sophie, down the hall to introduce her to her cousin and meet her new nephew.
“I got to walk down with my baby to her room, and we got to meet our new cousin and nephew,” Donahue said.
Donahue and Illig say their close bond — they are only 17 months apart — made the experience even more meaningful.
“My sister and I are really close already,” Donahue said. “We knew there was a chance the babies could be born close together, but to have birthday buddies is just really special.”
Illig added, “It’s the best thing that could happen. She’s one of my closest friends, so getting to do this together is special.”
Donahue says her older children can’t wait to have a cousin nearby; “We are super excited to have a cousin that lives close!” she said.
Both sisters praised the care they received at AdventHealth South Overland Park. Their care team included Brendan Mitchell, MD, who delivered the babies.
“Everyone’s been so great. We’ve had an incredible experience here, and I’m very happy with everything. It was kind of like a dream come true. You think having kids close together is great but having them born the same day is even better. We just can’t believe it,” Illig shared.
Both moms and babies are healthy and resting comfortably.