Conjoined Twins Abby and Erin Delaney: A Year in the Life

On June 6, 2017, surgeons at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia successfully separated 10-month-old conjoined twins Erin and Abby. www.chop.edu/delaney-twins
Parents Heather and Riley Delaney, from North Carolina, first learned that Heather was carrying conjoined twins about 11 weeks into her pregnancy. Abby and Erin Delaney were born in CHOP’s Garbose Family Special Delivery Unit on July 24, 2016, after being closely monitored by the Hospital’s Center for Fetal Diagnosis & Treatment.
The Delaney twins were connected at the top of their heads, a condition called craniopagus, the least common type of conjoined twins. The girls were the 23rd pair of conjoined twins separated at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), the first craniopagus pair.
Surgery to separate conjoined twins involves many steps. Over their first 10 months, the girls underwent a series of surgeries, including the placement of expanders to stretch their skin.
The separation of conjoined twins is a very complex surgery followed by a long and complicated recovery. Co-led by neurosurgeon Gregory Heuer, MD, PhD, and plastic surgeon Jesse Taylor, MD, a multidisciplinary team of approximately 30 members, including physicians, nurses and other medical staff from neurosurgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, and anesthesiology, participated in the separation surgery, which lasted about 11 hours.
After separation, formerly conjoined twins require intensive, expert care. As the separated infants recovered from their surgery, they were closely followed by their surgeons, nutritionists, developmental pediatricians, and other specialists to ensure that they receive the best clinical care to enable them to thrive and grow. They also received intensive therapy from a team of speech, occupational and physical therapists. Over the next few years, the girls will require additional surgeries to replace missing bone in their skulls and to minimize scarring.

[@harshdeepdwivedi9731]

Huge respect for the all the doctors.

[@avaanimehuskts4713]

Harshdeep Dwivedi. yeah

[@samga3794]

Thanks for so much

[@cosmicwaves4527]

Ikr

[@vanessamorrison7782]

Harshdeep Dwivedi same

[@SaritaKumari-eb1ve]

Thanks my father is doctor I am Indian

[@vincentvanjoint_]

idk how i ended up here but now im crying

[@brigittepieterse]

versacedobrik same

[@ziva9266]

If every child grew up with parents as loving as them, the world would be a much better place So much respect for the parent, the doctors and I wish all the best for the girls

[@izabellalawshe4481]

Awe

[@Beckisha22]

Such little human beings, yet so strong...

[@juibelly2318]

I love how the mother speaks :) so put together and smart

[@stellamarlena6427]

These two beautiful little girls have the most amazing parents in the world.

[@danielsummers4446]

When the mom was painting their nails and the dad was reading the books to them when they were in their coma I just started bawling. There is nothing like a parents love

[@aliviahough2655]

Daniel Summers right

[@caitlyn3476]

❤

[@scarlettk198]

IKR when the dad was reading it made me cry

[@madambutterfly7513]

Daniel Summers - I cried too, beautiful parents & babies - it was all in God’s hands

[@snowmanplayzyt8471]

Yeah

[@LostInStydia]

I'm so glad these parents were so caring and loving and had an amazing doctoral team

[@jonakamurphy8368]

I miss my baby girls so much!😢I lost my Hannah and Penelope. The pain knowing that they didn't survive. They shared one heart. They still have my heart

[@saidaaripova7285]

Does any notice how caring and loving these parents are? Heroes. I’ve got no words. Wish them the best ❤️

[@operatorblackbird]

yes

[@AJ_1DK]

Totally agree

[@jablinsshark7859]

I would be niagra falls over here

[@chasex517]

Not all heroes wear *capes*

[@lilyking7580]

Saida Aripova awwxX I can tell you have been brought up properly 💛

[@jalb2836]

This is the nicest comment section on youtube

[@Dinoboy1278]

Yup always

[@sethsvids_lit]

Jalb it is :)

[@Sophie-th9fc]

Jalb I know right, why can’t everyone just hold back the hate. If you have something bad to say don’t say anything at all...

[@chickennuggiies389]

True

[@katiebohan698]

I haven’t seen ONE hate comment and that is absolutely amazing

[@haileyblamey7925]

I think that it is fantastic that they both survived.

[@joysayad3143]

It’s by the Grace of God that guided the surgeons hands, and they prepared themselves in advance I think helped too. 2 healthy babies yes 😁👍!!

[@ppfgwie9490]

Spoiler alert

[@yanakelly5891]

Wow... imagine operating for 11 hours straight, especially under such a intense surgery

[@sirboringname]

Most big surgeries are pretty long

[@A_Helix_A]

They usually have more than one surgeon working in longer surgeries

[@kitmcwhiskerton9079]

This woman, the mother is so loving and positive about just having her babies. She's so strong for them even though this must be so hard. I hope I can be half as good a mother.

[@Amy-fd9xp]

That surgeon wore such fun hats because he works with kids! I'm crying 😭😭

[@nabilafarzanaauna3207]

I am fasting and only 20 minutes left for sunset (when i will be allowed to eat and drink again). Thank you KZbin for recommending this. As i always keep complaining to Allah about my hardships, i needed to see how blessed i am in life. Alhamdulillah.

[@Rebeka-vs7go]

Nabila Farzana Auna wow i actually really admire islamic people.Also is it Ramadan?

[@yasmeenahmad4608]

My parents are fasting too

[@tobikms1709]

This is such a pure mind set. My friend who is Christian is like you and she's the sweetest person I know.

[@yarelisresto824]

Iun+8763e556uy55555 😠💓💓💓💓💓💃✌👌😍🏣🎅🎅🎅🎅🎅🎅🎅🎅🎅🎅👻🎅🎅👻🎅🎓🎅🎅🎓🎓🎆🎓🎓🎓🎓🎓🎓🎇🎆🎆🎆🎆🎆🎆🎆🎆🎆🎆🎆⬆🔄🔄ℹℹ↪ℹ↪ℹ🔤🔤🔤🔄↕🔡↕

[@margaretamoakoah2678]

Say it again.. We are blessed

[@EvadoCouto]

These families and doctors are so amazing. I could watch these videos all day.

[@atylu2999]

Hello come back to see this

[@onyxg]

I know that it isn't complete, But separating two conjoined beings, especially with almost conjoined brains has to be one of the most important and honorable feats in medical history. Got to give it to em.

[@letsparchmentitupyo7566]

Well said

[@Liz-xq6jr]

True

[@minab8486]

amen!

[@elizabethcw9378]

I’m confused as to how they fit in the womb together

[@mayrithaps]

Elizabeth C W i was thinking the same, probably they born premies. Is imposible that they fit full grown inside xd

[@isabe11e6]

Elizabeth C W well they were both really small and together they were probably around the size of a normal baby

[@VilyRose]

Elizabeth C W and how they were able to safely get them out!

[@piperhensley786]

Elizabeth C W I am too but if they were only 2 oz they were so small

[@elizatotty4295]

2 pounds is very small an average baby size is 6 pounds so both of them were 4 would've fit fine.

[@vandanachhikara4735]

Heads up to the doctors 🥼 It was really a miracle

[@younxssnf5067]

I need an update video ASAP!!!!

[@bleepbop3436]

Saaame

[@elsaiida]

Here’s an update on them: delaneytwins.weebly.com/#

[@RyanJones-dr9bl]

Poppa II same

[@TianlangLao]

Poppa II no you can wait instead

[@specimen2071]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5TZd4aOqrt8p80

[@kaybee745]

Anyone else ball their eyes when he read that poem to them. 😭😭😭❤️

[@wandadesouza917]

me

[@nickplayz2177]

No..... Maybe I have no soul..

[@violetparks587]

ME 😭😭😭😭😭

[@user-ws3gn2ud5n]

الله يرحمك يا

[@sarar2286]

Kayla Marie yes 😭😭😭😭

[@vanessakonig3889]

This is actually the most heartwarming thing to watch. The parents are so caring and the doctors were so helpful

[@maddymannel1341]

every dislike was the people who were crying and couldn’t see the like button

[@leafieee]

I don't want to dislike tho

[@lemonadesandwich6507]

Yeah but I wouldn't feel right liking such a sad video

[@poison1vy]

@@lemonadesandwich6507 I think this isn't so sad 'cause they were succesfully separated.

[@RiyankaGope]

Praying for the babies.

[@molliecollins7372]

Riyanka Gope me too

[@itz_kkbest762]

Riyanka Gope me too

[@karissacloonan2606]

❤

[@abielizabeth7119]

Riyanka Gope they survived

[@yasminbegum6795]

Riyanka Gope me too

[@mohanapriya1087]

thank god..... they are separated with out any critical.... great doctors....

[@ofwjoshtv1683]

Cute

[@luciephillips7690]

if anyone wanted to know they are both still alive and smart, pretty, healthy, talented, and sweet little girls. keep praying for their family it’s helped them soo much😊

[@audreyangel7493]

The mothers love to her baby’s is so beautiful and genuine

[@handmadesophiegreece4608]

The love and hope of the parents and the faith of the doctors, they are doing miracles !!

[@HannahC1101]

This story made me cry. I LOVE CHOP. They took amazing care of me when I was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 4. Dr. Adams is the best!

[@kacey7910]

Hannah Carty what an inspiring person you are ! I hope you are okay as no person should be put through that I am happy to hear you pulled through and are living a happy life ! You are a strong person who deserves none of that let’s pray that is the past and never happens again ❣️

[@juliajurenas1720]

congrats to you as well💞

[@karissacloonan2606]

That's great!

[@octivareilly5562]

Hannah Carty i don’t know if you still have it but you are very strong 💖

[@lilyjohnston9659]

Hannah Carty it made me cry

[@Therealrutile]

Y'ALL WHEN THE DAD STARTED READING TO THE BABIES I STARTED CRYING.

[@nataliesmith5187]

I absolutely love how much positivity the mother radiates. so beautiful.

[@jasonj5292]

what good parents

[@avabaunicorn5385]

mike brown your write

[@Lisargarza]

I LOVE that Dad reads to them. Good parents.

[@dulcemoreira2652]

mike brown

[@handmadesophiegreece4608]

The love and hope of the parents and the faith of the doctors, they are doing miracles !!

[@cockiecat2933]

Yeah painting your infants nails must be so good for it...

[@lanalana9277]

it takes huge strenght to go through this, god bless them

[@cloudywonders1787]

I agree :D

[@loveghansah1278]

Lana Lana amen

[@laurenj.09x_x64]

I was sad

[@sophieplayzz2656]

Amen 🙏🏻

[@donnahague8983]

Oh man, the mom painting their nails and dad reading to them 😢....how brave are these parents knowing they are doing what's best but also knowing they could have lost one or both. I can't even imagine how hard that decision was. Bless the doctors and medical team who obviously treat these kids like their own. Thank you to all medical personnel who devote their life to saving lives.

[@shanaysierra9525]

its almost been two years.... i NeEd aN upDatE!!!

[@uyrot]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5TZd4aOqrt8p80 here you go!

[@ladyluck8936]

Aww that must of been the hardest thing to do send them off to surgery and not knowing what is going to happen...

[@naygaysay4896]

Im legit crying now

[@seasoned8273]

There were many successful separations in the past

[@kuruptpisa5119]

That’s what happened to me I wasn’t breathing when I was born

[@elenanojkovic2554]

My mum had to sign the informed consent agreement, sending me into heart surgery when I was five. Nowhere nearly as risky as this one and she says it is the hardest thing she ever had to do (and her life wasn't exactly a bed of roses up to that point).

[@alexandramercer3419]

Lady Luck I had to do that to my dad 4 times

[@elisasenpai7463]

I wouldn't care how they look, they made it through a lot and I would love them for however they look. Those girls and this video was so precious

[@charopinero4110]

yes but when they grow up, the children will probably care how they look.

[@mellovestodraw]

Same, but when they grow older there will be a possible chance they will get bullied and have a much harder life if they never get separated from surgery

[@sd-cy2cl]

Elisa Senpai they’ll never be able to stand if they’re connected by the head.. it’s so sad

[@philippecoppieters4742]

Elisa Senpai The main problem is not how they look but the fact that they can’t do things properly or by themselves.

[@rinnn201]

If they not get surgery how they do the activities when they get older?? How they walk? How they eat? And they will get bully..

[@The2cutetweens]

Can u imagine giving birth to them, major respect for the mom usually w twins u have a lil time before the other one but with them it was just one big, long, ouf..I hope everything goes well for this family💜

[@IrenaV1984]

My son had a heart transplant when he was only 3 months old. So I can immagine how this parents felt. A big kudos to them and the doctors and all the medical staff!

[@taylor-qu8nh]

IrenaV1984 omg you and your son are so strong💙I’m glad he’s ok

[@mylife2432]

“...and not what’s “wrong” with them.” She’s so sweet

[@LittleLattes]

EDIT: anyone else admire the Surgeon soo much for this? He sounds soooo smart too I’m sooo happy this was successful!!! I don’t know anything about Medicine, just from watching greys anatomy, BUT I am sooo thankful for all the doctors in this world.. the amazing things they do is very appreciated!! I love the doctor who was explaining and saying “I want my doctor to be afraid...” because it’s true you want a doctor who’s thinking beyond the obvious and is able to stop it , like he said

[@sophie.harman]

MommyLife & Beauty omg ur so kind

[@jeannedarcchammings6027]

MommyLife & Beaut y

[@jeannedarcchammings6027]

MommyLife & Beauty q

[@jojolyynn7462]

THE WAY THEIR DOCTOR KISSES HER HEAD😭 REAL LOVEEEE

[@keelynhall2933]

Don’t cry because They survived :)

[@TFrost420]

Dude! Spoilers!!!

[@arok1235]

Who disliked this video has no heart prayers to these conjoined twins 🙏

[@hemabenmojindra5414]

Ikr

[@aleksandrakrstic7962]

It’s me 2019 I agre

[@ciaragecewicz5209]

That’s what I said to and I totally agree! These two girls are the most beautiful babies in the world ❤️

[@cheeseaddict4751]

This is amazing, but how in the world did they fit inside their mother?

[@bagel2000]

Most likely super micro preemie

[@FLORIS-zz8fq]

They were really small

[@lilpumpkin8243]

They said that when they were born they were 2 pounds 6 ounces each

[@specimen2071]

they weighed less than average combined

[@KingL-eb3ho]

They were 2 pounds and that’s really small

[@FromMaddi2You]

That mom is beautiful. She had every good intention at heart for those girls & she stuck by them thru everything. That’s beautiful. & her husband was so supportive as well. Beautiful story.

[@kaylageorge9348]

This was absolutely beautiful. Their story is so encouraging and the doctors were phenomenal! My distant cousin spent quite some time at CHoP and she is a beautiful, healthy little girl now thanks to their care! Thank you!

[@pugedesign7374]

Good to see they alive I'm so excited And I wanna cry right now

[@chloenewton7326]

I feel so sad😭😥😞😢

[@diabolical6870]

*U can cry if you want , who said u can't?*

[@meonlybro]

Why do you want to cry

[@xxitzmysticalbrixx8351]

I AM CRYING RIGHT NOW 😭😭😭😢😢😢

[@madysonelizabeth570]

Th3aFX me too

[@BeHappy-uh5ww]

I start crying 😭when her mother paints her nail and smile😊, that moment makes me feel that how much our parents love❤ us and how much we are important for them!! Salute to all the parents 👏👏👌👌👌

[@omran6621]

وةةلالىى اااالللىاوتنهتنت😇😇😇😇😇😇🙌🙌🙌🙌😺🙌😺👵👵👵👵👵👵👵👵👵

[@amyshona1879]

These doctors AND parents are incredible.

[@rizma8143]

The facts that the girls's parents love them so much and the doctors and nurses really did a good job makes me crying bc of happiness 💜

[@annahernandez6385]

That doctor was so genuinely concerned. I wish I could tell him in person how wonderful that is to see. The doctor that delivered my third daughter was caring like this. He slept at the hospital when his shift was already over and other doctors were there that could have delivered her for him. He said he wanted to be sure she was ok, since she was premature. He was really worried about us and that made me feel cared for.

[@maylily820]

Anna Hernandez how sweet of him

[@NOVA-ei9kj]

I love how beautifully she holds both of her babies with both of her arms and adores them its soo Beautiful god bless these parents and these twins

[@HTTN723]

Those doctors are so amazing respect to them.

[@parispaterson5770]

Omg my heart melted when the dad was reading the story

[@ximenaplays5156]

Ahhhh thes parents are so loving am about to cry

[@antonimiftah3648]

Erik Evangelista me to

[@dianahadzhieva5307]

They are going to grow up to be beautiful strong young ladies

[@izzyx4498]

True tat

[@PixelPerfectStudio0]

True am happy for them

[@rosasebastianmartin9315]

you are so right

[@camillatoo4178]

Yes they are gonna be

[@Sg-rx8sb]

Well when you grow up you tend to get the older...

[@Jen-fo8cn]

No, I'm not crying I just have something in my eyes

[@bethroesch2156]

Huge thank you to all of the doctors, nurses and support staff who have chosen to work in pediatric medicine. You make miracles happen and you are heros ❤️

[@themissmay]

How did they fit in her womb like that?

[@joanienewcomb7783]

Thank God for the Miracle of Modern Medicine. God Bless This Lovely Family💖

[@benjijamin6745]

Damn, these doctors are dedicated to their operations.

[@tatirodriguez5447]

I was holding myself together until she started painting her nails then I lost it. God bless you

[@ahmadayoub8848]

Anyone 2019?

[@xplay9054]

Ahmad Ayoub yes

[@NOEM0508]

Me

[@jupitercore]

Nope absolutely no one

[@megan-fc8ns]

Me

[@lifewithgen8785]

Ahmad Ayoub we feel you here we are

[@marketaondryskova8404]

The twins are so lucky to have such good and sweat parants👪👪👪👪👪👪👪👪👪👪👭👭👭👭💅💅💅💅💅💅💅💇💇💇💇💇💇💋💋💋💖💖💖💖💕💕💕💖💗💗💖💖💖💕💔💔💔💕💖💖💗

[@Lilly-wj4po]

Markéta Ondrysková sweet * xx❤️

[@squishesandslimequeen49]

Markéta Ondrysková sweet

[@thenextlevelgamer1770]

Sweet

[@angiesfuntv9302]

sweet

[@tabithaharrison7620]

i’m in floods of tears😭 u are so strong, patient and every single piece of my heart goes out to u❤️❤️ huge respect for all the doctors too❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@dishad443]

This proves miracles do happen. Daughters are the most beautiful gift by god to any parent.. Lucky are those who have daughters. May god bless this beautiful family. 😘

[@taylor-qu8nh]

Disha D This is so true

[@annek8552]

Very true❤️

[@yard8616]

Where was the miracle, it was hard work by trained medicals

[@sabafatima4410]

I just can't hold back my year ... such strong little girls ... and such a brave mom 💞 loads of prayers

[@UNICORN_YT-ef2tr]

saba fatima 🙂yes god bless saba fatima

[@bruh9626]

Their dad is brave too

[@abi4483]

saba fatima *tear*

[@ishanansari529]

saba fatima hko

[@sofiarogowski4887]

Shoutout for the surgeon

[@quinakaquin8401]

Sofia Rogowski ikr

[@BreezyDaBaddest]

I can't imagine how they must have been bunched up in the womb. Praying for nothing but blessings for those sweet little angels

[@franceswomble8083]

This young couple is so kind and loving. The Girls are beautiful. I can't imagine having to go through this. The strength these parents have is amazing. I pray that they all have a long and happy life.

[@heathercbc7287]

My cousin was born at CHOP. Sadly, she didn’t make it, and we miss her and think of her every day. RIP CAE

[@mileyrenea525]

I’m so sorry

[@mileyrenea525]

R.I.P CAE

[@karissacloonan2606]

Aww I'm so sorry❤❤

[@duhh_itz_ya_girl_dj1235]

HeatherC BC im soo sorry 😢

[@CrazyLady-NoCats]

Sorry for your loss. RIP CAE. 💕

[@bloobatoonsd1849]

Bruh Nobody in these comments talking about how good those surgeons were

[@yelena4170]

This is so beautiful, the family, the doctors, the twins.. this proves everyone has a chance

[@kushagramishra1579]

They are soo freaking cute❤❤❤❤ Massive respect to the doctors

[@mollynicolehome]

Wow, how amazing and what a blessing!

[@katy_hxneyx8845]

My mum goes in surgery tomorrow I am crying for her I am so scared I would love her to be ok after this surgery 😭😭😭😭

[@nickplayz2177]

I am two weeks late but I hope your mom is ok

[@gleyva1243]

Is she ok?

[@Ninaaaaa03]

How it went💞

[@nathaliemarkstein2121]

Katy Lang It has been two weeks, how is your mom??

[@sarar2286]

Katy Lang what kind?

[@lubasantos8230]

It's so heartwarming how loving and caring the parents are. The babies are adorable and I hope they grow up strong, happy, and healthy.

[@lordestrella231]

I just had a baby girl 2 weeks ago couldnt imagine this. Had me in tears im super glad they are okay💛 god bless them!

[@the.annethology]

I wonder how the parents were able to pay for all the medical procedures and other hospital bills? or was this completely sponsored by the hospital because it is such a rare case?

[@isaaclewis4155]

This doctor is easily the best in the world

[@valentinacrisa1690]

They were all so strong... the girls, the parents and even the doctors... I hope they’re all having a happy life because they definitely deserve it... 💕

[@annagroover4431]

so much love and respect for the parents and every other parents that are going through things like this. crying atm

[@isabelk8]

Why is every conjoined twin called Abby 😂

[@emiteaa]

Isabel Russell omg lol true

[@raiaanali]

Okay so I just have to say these two are the most adorable twins ever.I think these two are a blessing to everyone in the world especially their parents.They are the best gift we can recive from god.

[@raiaanali]

P.S. srry if my spelling is off point. :/

[@googlenoodlegaming508]

Sry god isn’t real

[@googlenoodlegaming508]

But they will grow up to be strong women

[@OopsieCat]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@zara2duchess]

Very impressed with the parents, doctors, nurses, as well as all the support system involved for how well they all handled this unusual situation. The girls are definitely very strong together as well as individually. Just because they grew in interoperability together doesn’t mean that they were one baby with only one personality.

[@neophantomyt1435]

Omg that father reading the story while they were in a coma. Made me cry. Wonderful parents. God bless your family.

[@cancersucks7060]

God bless this family. Such a strong family

[@szili76]

Cancer Sucks yeah there is no god

[@lewisaaronsharp_4734]

God won’t help them

[@polarbearlover6173]

Why does this have 71 likes when it should have 1m

[@Indycantdie]

Cancer Sucks I know I was at chop in the picu and I’d watch these Twins roll through the picu and nicu area

[@burntpieceoftoast4148]

💙💙 Very strong and awesome mommy and daddy they have.

[@molliecollins7372]

Maggie Foster yes

[@bansarkhoya4658]

Maggie Foster ss

[@lauramartinez3667]

good luck to the four of you

[@chantellegattrell7073]

These doctors are the ones who deserve a professional athletes pay

[@aliciaworls]

All nice comments about the video, and then, “2019 anyone”. is it really necessary? I

[@yasmeenahmad4608]

Ur so right this isn't the video for that type of thing

[@Investigativebean]

And you can really see that these medical professionals are so close to these patients, and their families. I really feel like that is a great deal of what makes them larger than life.

[@Boo.kwannie]

OMG IT'S SO INCREDIBILE... I RESPECT THE DOCTORS

[@zza7546]

Respect to the doctors and parents!!.. Nd much love to those angels😘😘

[@aishamohamed7523]

they look just like they’re momma god im cryin for these babies. I plan to be a pediatrician and this is the kind of situation that i’ll struggle with. It’s heartbreaking to see the parents like that but amazing to see the hard work being done

[@9000yugioh]

I love how one twin was asleep and the other wide awake

[@valeriesosa5091]

THESE BABIES ARE BEAUTIFUL AND STRONG LITTLE COOKIES....MAY GOD BLESS THEM

[@Amiaaaaaaaaa]

Ok seriously, what are with these “May God bless X” comments and why are there such an abundance of them in these sort of videos?

[@lulusway5141]

That family deserves everything. They are so lucky their girls were able to be saved, and Abby & Erin will grow up to be so beautiful 🥰

[@castorhp_6480]

I’m so glad that they both made it and hopefully these twins have a wonderful life