Formerly conjoined twins reunited with medical staff who separated them
‘If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be here’: Former conjoined twins, 19, reunite with medical staff who separated them nearly two decades ago in life-saving surgery
- Erin and Jade Buckles, from Virginia, were born bonded from chest to navel
- They underwent successful surgery at Children’s National Hospital in 2004
- The sisters are reunited with the doctors who gave them a second life
Former conjoined twins have been reunited with the medical staff who separated them as babies nearly 19 years ago.
Erin and Jade Buckles, 19, a native of Woodbridge, Virginia, were born joined from mid-chest to navel.
The sisters shared a diaphragm with doctors who weren’t sure they’d be able to breathe on their own — but the duo underwent successful surgery in 2004 at Children’s National Hospital.
They have now returned to reunite with the doctors who gave them both a second life.
Born in Woodbridge, Virginia, Erin and Jade Buckles were born joined from mid-chest to navel
The sisters (in the center of the picture) have now returned to reunite with the doctors who gave them both a second life
Erin and Jade underwent separation surgery shortly after birth with an elite team of 20 specialists involved in the ‘risky’ procedure
Erin and Jade underwent separation surgery shortly after birth with an elite team of 20 specialists involved in the “high-risk” procedure.
Looking back on the operation, mom told Melissa Good morning America: ‘It was very difficult. We didn’t know when they were born if they would survive.’
But the surgery was a success and the girls are now back 19 years later to show their appreciation.
The duo, who are both now in college, were filmed walking into the room filled with staff who had helped during the surgery.
Erin told the publication, “If it weren’t for the people [at Children’s National Hospital], then we wouldn’t be here at all. I think about that a lot.’
Jade, who uses a wheelchair as a result of suffering a stroke during the procedure, added that she has “thought about what life would be like” if they were still together.
“I don’t know how that would have really been possible to live such a life,” she said.
The girls are now both avid athletes – with Jade playing track and field hockey with Erin pursuing her interest in basketball on a wheelchair team.
Reflecting on the surgery, Mother Melissa told Good Morning America, “It was very difficult. We didn’t know when they were born or if they could survive’
The girls are now both avid athletes – with Jade (left) playing track and field hockey with Erin (right) pursuing her interest in basketball on a wheelchair team
plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Boyajian told the publication, “It was a hugely emotional day. And to see them years later… is very important to me.”
Their father, Kevin Buckles, also told the publication that he was “excited for the girls to see the team help build a new life for them by separating them and giving them their own individual bodies to go out and conquer life’.
“They have overcome so much, but they are only just beginning their lives. We are excited to see what that next chapter has in store for both of them.”