This remarkable journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of love and determination to overcome the most challenging circumstances.
Twins Abby and Erin Delaney were conjoined at the head when they were born. Their parents went to great lengths to ensure their survival and give them as much life as possible. They overcame numerous obstacles to finally find their own happiness, and their remarkable bravery and steadfast determination amazed both their family and medical staff.
Although their parents were ecstatic when they found out they were pregnant, there were some problems.
Just two months after their wedding, newlyweds Heather and Riley were thrilled to learn she was pregnant. But they were even happier when they found out that during the ultrasound she was carrying not one, but two adorable babies of joy.
Considering Heather’s sisters are identical twins, it wasn’t entirely unexpected, but what really took them by surprise was finding out the twins were related. After consultation with a doctor, the conjoining of the twins at the top of the head, known as craniopagus conjoined twins, was verified. Only 2% of conjoined twins are of this type, making them extremely rare.
When we first found out, Heather recalled, “At first we were in shock and didn’t know what to think.” “I thought this didn’t actually happen to people; it’s something you only see on TV.”
The couple were told their newborns had a 2% chance of survival and might require a rare separation procedure. Although the surgery had been done before, their neighboring hospital had yet to perform it. However, if the department were possible, the expert recommended considering the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
“They share not only the skull and the shells,” says Dr. Gregory Heuer, “but they also share this important vein that runs through the middle, which is called the sagittal sinus, and 20% of your cardiac output goes through it.” To learn more, Heather underwent a series of procedures, including a high-resolution fetal ultrasound and fetal echocardiography to look at the babies’ hearts.
We were all looking for the best way to raise our children when they were born, he claims.
Both the delivery and the procedure of their separation
An ultrasound performed at Heather’s 26-week checkup unexpectedly revealed that the girls’ umbilical cords had become entangled. Hospital staff were concerned about the scenario and suggested that she remain in Philadelphia so that the infants could be adequately monitored. Abby and Erin were finally delivered on July 24, 2016, 10 weeks earlier than expected.
“The team was ready for breathing tubes and all kinds of things for them,” the children’s mother claimed, “but when she was born, she came out crying.”
The twins underwent surgery in October to separate the fused part of their heads. As part of the separation proceedings, they performed a number of other interventions over the course of the following five months.
On June 6, 2017, more than ten months after birth, the sisters were successfully separated after a long 11-hour procedure. A group of medical professionals worked closely together to complete this complex and risky treatment. The most difficult phase of the operation was completed, but the weeks that followed had their share of problems as the girls gradually recovered.
Erin and Abby immediately began extensive physical and occupational therapy as soon as circumstances permitted, and five months later the girls were finally able to leave the hospital, marking a major turning point in their journey.
Heather said: “Riley and I are happy to see how the girls are doing today, despite the fact that it has been a long trip with many ups and downs.” “We are very appreciative of the staff at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, as well as the help and inspiration our families, friends, and community have given us during this difficult process.”
The twin sisters just received their kindergarten diplomas.
The little girls are now enjoying a life that is close to normal after overcoming several obstacles and various procedures. The twins finally got their happily ever after, although they will require more plastic and reconstructive procedures as they get older.
Because of their particular illness, Abby and Erin develop more slowly than typical children. Abby is now taking her first steps towards learning to walk, while Erin has achieved the astonishing feat of walking at the age of five.
“We are their parents and we only see them as they are and not what is wrong with them,” their mother claims.
Against all odds, the girls have already graduated from kindergarten, an amazing milestone that many people believed was beyond their reach. Their mother said: “We want to show that there is a chance they can be separated and eventually enjoy a healthy and happy life. She said: ‘The sky’s the limit for my girls.’
This shows that although life can be full of challenging experiences, we can overcome any challenge with tenacity and optimism. Parents Erin and Abby have experienced every step of this difficult journey and now want to encourage other parents who are going through a similar trial.
As Heather explained, “Our goal in sharing our story has always been to try to reach out to all the other parents who are facing the same type of pregnancy as us, to give them hope.”
Twins have always been fascinating and there are many interesting and touching stories about them and their environment.
Their story is a testament to the power of love to heal, transform and uplift, and serves as a reminder that we all have the ability to change the lives of others.
May we carry their inspiring story in our hearts and be inspired to face life’s challenges with courage, hope, and love, knowing that with the strength of the human spirit and the power of love, anything is possible. Abby and Erin’s journey is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human heart and a reminder that with love and determination, anything is possible.
Remember this incredible mother who happily gave birth to twins on a very memorable day of the year.