In 2016, two girls were born in North Carolina – Abby and Erin. They were twins, but not ordinary ones – their heads were fused. The condition was so complex that even medicine was hesitant about intervening. And yet, they were born. And they survived.
Siamese twins separated a year after birth: this is what they look like 7 years later
Siamese twins separated a year after birth: this is what they look like 7 years later
Their mother, Anne Delaney, learned of the diagnosis at eleven weeks of pregnancy. Doctors were frank – they recommended termination.
The term was still far away, and huge difficulties were expected ahead. But Anne refused.
At 27 weeks, she was hospitalized to try to prolong the pregnancy. But at 30 weeks, complications began, and doctors were forced to perform an emergency cesarean section.
The girls were born premature, tiny, weak — and fused.
Doctors said there was a chance — only 2% of such children survive to the point where they can be operated on.
And incredibly, Abby and Erin were among those 2%. After months of observation, tests, and consultations, the decision was made — the operation could be performed. But the risk was enormous.
Anne agreed. Whatever the outcome, the main thing is to try to give each girl her own destiny.
Siamese twins separated a year after birth: this is what they look like 7 years later
On June 6, 2017, almost a year after their birth, the operation began. It lasted 11 hours. Erin was the first to be separated — her skull structure was simpler.
With Abby, doctors had to fight for every millimeter of tissue, every vessel. The girls survived.
Siamese twins separated a year after birth: this is what they look like 7 years later
Five months later, Erin and Abby returned home. A new stage began – rehabilitation.
Today, 7 years have passed since that fateful operation. Abby and Erin are alive. They are growing. But everything was not easy – they were diagnosed with mental retardation.
They do not talk, but they smile willingly and play with other children. Despite the diagnosis, they are socialized.
Siamese twins separated a year after birth: this is what they look like 7 years later
Erin learned to walk at the age of five. Abby can still stand, holding her mother’s hands, but she cannot move on her own yet. The family hopes – albeit slowly, albeit in her own way, but Abby will also take her step.
