Rosie and Ruby Formosa, from Bexleyheath in Kent, were born conjoined at the abdomen, sharing an intestine. This life-threatening condition meant they needed immediate surgery to survive. The prospect of separating them seemed nearly impossible, and doctors warned their parents that the twins’ chances of survival were extremely slim.
Despite the odds, the family held onto hope, praying for a miracle. Fortunately, after a highly complex surgery performed at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), the sisters were successfully separated.
Reflecting on the moment they discovered their daughters were conjoined, their mother, Angela, recalled, “At 16 weeks, I was sent to King’s College Hospital, where they confirmed the connection between the girls.»
“It was devastating—I was already anxious because they were monoamniotic (sharing the same amniotic sac), and being conjoined was the worst-case scenario. I was terrified and heartbroken because I was told there was a high chance they wouldn’t survive the pregnancy.”
“And if they did survive, there was still the risk they wouldn’t make it through childbirth or surgery. Doctors couldn’t determine exactly how they were connected.»
“I didn’t even prepare to bring them home. It wasn’t until they had the surgery and were recovering in the hospital that my husband started painting the nursery and getting everything ready.”
Four years after the successful operation, Rosie and Ruby were healthy and ready to start school. Their proud mother shared how excited the girls were to meet their teacher and join their older sister Lilly at school.
While their parents were thrilled to see them reach this milestone, they admitted that the house would feel a little empty without them during the school day.
We’re overjoyed that these beautiful girls are thriving. We wish them all the best life has to offer.
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