Conjoined twins Abby and Erin Delaney:
A Rare and Risky Beginning
In 2016, Abby and Erin Delaney were born conjoined at the head—an extremely rare and life-threatening condition.
Doctors gave them just a 5–25% chance of survival.
“We were stunned,” their mother Heather recalled. “It was awful.
But we knew in that moment we would go through the pregnancy no matter what.”
A Groundbreaking Surgery
At just 10 months old, the twins underwent a risky 11-hour surgery involving 30 specialists.
Their condition, craniopagus, made separation complex, but the procedure was a success.
The hospital used novel techniques, later published in the New England Journal of Medicine, allowing earlier separation and better recovery.
Recovery and Setbacks
Though Abby healed well, Erin faced complications. In 2021, both girls were diagnosed with autism.
Heather shared, “I cried a lot… I just want the diagnoses to stop.”
Growing Strong
Despite challenges, the girls are thriving.
“We are so proud… we love our girls for just the way they are,” Heather said.
