Formerly conjoined twins finally head home
(Children's Hospital of Philadelphia)
PHILADELPHIA - After 485 days at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), formerly conjoined twins Erin and Abby Delaney were discharged to return home to North Carolina, just in time for Thanksgiving.
Abby and Erin were born in CHOP's Garbose Family Special Delivery Unit on July 24, 2016, 10 weeks premature and joined at the top of their heads.
On June 6, a 30-member team successfully completed the separation of the then 10-month-old twins.
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Formerly conjoined twins thriving months after separation surgery
(Children's Hospital of Philadelphia)
The 11-hour surgery was the 23rd time that CHOP surgeons have separated a pair of conjoined twins, but the first craniopagus (joined at the head and the least common) pair.
As Erin and Abby mature, they will require additional surgeries. Their CHOP team, which has cared for them since birth, will continue to monitor them as they grow up. The team is optimistic about their progress so far and about their long-term potential.
"The girls are inspiring," said Heather Delaney, mother to Erin and Abby. "As their parents, it is very neat for Riley and me to have a front-row seat to this and watch them overcome these incredible obstacles. We cannot wait to see what their future holds!"
"The team at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has become like family," added Heather. "Riley and I are so grateful for the care our girls have received here and so excited to take them home — just in time for the holidays."
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