Riley and Heather Delaney from Statesville, North Carolina, are celebrating their twin daughters’ kindergarten graduation. Abby and Erin, the twins who were born craniopagus (conjoined at the head) with a mere 2% chance of survival, have miraculously defied the odds.
– The twins’ conjoined status was diagnosed during Heather’s 11th week of pregnancy.
– They were prematurely born at 30 weeks, with a combined weight of six pounds.
– Their first year was spent in the neonatal intensive care unit at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where they underwent an innovative skull-separation procedure.
– Despite its success, the operation led to developmental challenges due to the complex separation process.
As Abby and Erin approach their seventh birthday, they are flourishing. “There are days now where I sit back and think ‘I can’t believe how incredibly lucky we are’. Yes, they have disabilities and things they’re working through, but they’re so happy,” shared Heather, a 33-year-old stay-at-home mom.
The Delaney family treasures photos of Abby and Erin when they were conjoined. Heather plans to discuss their extraordinary journey with them at the right time: “We want them to be proud of who they are and where they’ve come from,” she stated.
Both girls attend mainstream school with necessary support. Erin started walking at five years old and Abby is gradually learning too. “When Abby can run too, I’ll be in trouble—it’s hard enough chasing one,” Heather joked.
Heather shares their story with pride and hope: “It has always been our goal in sharing our story to try and reach any other parents faced with the same type of pregnancy we were—to give them hope,” she declared. “Now look at them – I’m so proud of them both.”
Sources: Good News Network
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