Doctors Give Slim Chance of Survival for Conjoined Twins — They Celebrate 5th Birthday

When a woman found out she was pregnant with conjoined twins, doctors informed her about their slim chance of survival. However, the mother decided to keep her babies.

Riley and Heather Delaney were ecstatic when they discovered they would be parents in 2016. However, the North Carolina couple's first ultrasound appointment revealed that there would be a difficult journey ahead.

Heather was pregnant with conjoined twins. Medical professionals indicated the risks and challenges they would face, but this didn't prevent the couple from having their babies.

THE SCARIEST MOMENT

Heather shared: "It was awful. But we knew at that moment we would go through the pregnancy no matter what. I just didn't think it was my place to decide if they lived or died." The soon-to-be-parents quickly started preparing for the twins.

The birth was the scariest moment of Heather's life, but fortunately, Erin and Abby were born after an emergency c-section. The girls were rare craniopagus twins, and thus their heads were fused on the very top.

THE 11 HOUR SEPARATION SURGERY

A team of medical professionals planned their surgery for ten months, and after an 11-hour operation, they were separated. The procedure carried significant risks, and in many cases, one of the twins died.

It was a miracle that both girls survived. The parents were grateful to the fantastic support structure of medical staff and family who were there for them every step of the way.

THEY TURNED FIVE YEARS OLD

The twins who defeated the odds stacked against them turned five years old last year. Their journey still isn't easy, and they have various developmental therapy sessions to aid their skills and growth.

Riley stated:

“They’re delayed in some ways because of how long they were conjoined, but we’re hopeful they’ll make up for the lost time.”

PROUD OF THEIR TWINS

The parents always ensure their girls know how far they have come, and Heather added: "We're going to make sure they live the happiest and brightest lives."

Riley and Heather are proud of their little family and honored to call Erin and Abby their daughters. Every day, the girls progress and display their commendable fighting spirit.

ANOTHER SET OF CONJOINED TWINS

Stories like that of the Delany twins display human resilience and strength. In 2014 another couple welcomed conjoined twins — a set of boys named Connor and Carter.

Michelle Brantley and Bryan Mirabal's babies had their separation surgery in 2015. While they underwent various challenges and setbacks, they met impressive milestones every day. In 2020 they turned six years old and graduated preschool.

Conjoined twins face various complications, and often one or both of them pass away. Brantley, Mirabal, and the Delaney family know just how lucky they are to have their twins, which is why they cherish them every day.