Conjoined Twins Find a Life Apart (page 3 of 6)

Change Text Size

Change Text Size
|
Bookmark

Bookmark

Del.icio.us
Digg
Reddit
Facebook
StumbleUpon
TwitThis
|
Print
|
E-Mail

Images from this article

Video Clip of Miracle Conjoined Herrin Twins

Courtney Enjoys Reading to her Twin Sisters

Watch a video of Kendra and Maliyah enjoying life after separation.

/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/inspiring-people-video-gallery/gallery56280.html?videoId=1704033408

Photographed by Joanna B. Pinneo/Aurora

"Sometimes I miss being stuck to Kendra," says Maliyah (front). But it's fun to sleep in my own bed."

javascript:void(0);

Photographed by Joanna B. Pinneo/Aurora

"Because of what we've gone through with the girls, we're more optimistic about life," says Erin Herrin, here with husband Jake and their five children (from left): Justin, Kendra, Courtney, Austin, and Maliyah.

javascript:void(0);

Photographed by Joanna B. Pinneo/Aurora

Courtney reads to her sisters in the family's playroom, which has a ramp (left) for easy access and a slide (right) for fun.

javascript:void(0);

Photographed by Joanna B. Pinneo/Aurora

In most respects, Kendra and Maliyah were good candidates for the operation. For conjoined twins of their type, the success rate is about 63 percent.

But when Erin and Jake shared their hopes with Dr. Meyers, she gently discouraged them. No one had ever tried separating twins who depended on a single kidney, she explained. Such a procedure would pose unprecedented challenges for Maliyah, who lacked her own organ. If the girls were separated, she would need dialysis until she recovered from the operation-and then a kidney transplant.

"I'd give both my kidneys if it would help her," Erin said.

Dr. Meyers assured her that one would be enough. "You might be the perfect donor," she said. "Unfortunately, that's not an option right now." Infants did not do well on dialysis, and Maliyah's body was too small to accommodate an adult organ.

"When will she be big enough?" Jake asked.

The doctor's answer made the couple's hearts sink: "Let's see how she's doing in four or five years."

If caring for newborn twins is challenging, handling two babies who share a lower body is even harder. "Holding them, trying to balance their little heads, I was overwhelmed," says Erin.

Everyday tasks were daunting. The girls required feeding tubes for several months. They had trouble sleeping because one would roll onto the other or hit her with a flailing hand. Strangers made cruel remarks. When either girl came down with a cold, so did the other. They spent their first birthday in the ICU with respiratory infections. During each crisis, Erin worried that she was neglecting her older daughter, Courtney.

But the family adjusted. Erin found a way to prop the twins in their crib so they slept better. She made clothes by sewing pairs of dresses together. When the girls could no longer fit in a regular car seat, the couple had a special one built. Friends and relatives helped with chores and babysitting.

Should Everyone Read This? Yes! I vote for this story

Post a Comment

Name

Comment

Remaining Character Count:

I really want to appreciate the parents, friends and family that stood by the girls all through. Reading this story has made me realised that God has put so much love into the lives of human beings. All we have to do is to dig deep and we all will find the love to make this earth a better place. I thank God for creating people like the girls' parents, friends, relatives and also the medical team that undertook the surgery. May God in His infinite love bless you all amen!

By Eareale, on 10/28/2008

This is so amazing, a very inspiring story for everyone. for all the girls future battles i pray for them and that God is by their side. God bless all of you and keep your heads high.

By cricket0628, on 09/18/2008

There's nothing impossible with the Lord, almighty God. All things possible. We need to trust and have faith on Him no matter happens. Problems and obstacles is not the reason to stop our meaningful lives and facing our problems squarely is a good recovery. No matter what happens, trust God with all your heart and mind. Erin and Jake is a rare parents in this world, and they save their twins because of their faith. It's a blessings and miracles happened in their lives. God Bless!

By doffande, on 09/13/2008

See All Comments