Imagine the sheer joy and relief that Isabelle and Abby Carlsen’s parents must have felt when their conjoined daughters were safely delivered. Born over ten years ago at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, these beautiful girls were joined at the chest and abdomen, with a shared liver, small intestine, and even two connected hearts. They were truly miracle babies, capturing the attention and awe of people all over the world.

But this awe quickly turned into anxiety for the Carlsen family as they faced the difficult decision of whether to separate their precious daughters. At the time, the mortality rate for such surgeries was a staggering 60%. The delicate procedure, performed on May 12, 2006, involved a team of 17 doctors and lasted 12 nerve-wracking hours. One of the most critical moments came when the doctors had to safely divide the shared liver.

For the Carlsen parents, the wait during the surgery must have felt like an eternity. However, their patience and faith were rewarded as the operation went according to plan, and both girls made it through. Although they had to spend the first six months of their lives in hospitals, Isabelle and Abby proved to be fighters from the very beginning.

Today, it’s hard to believe that these two vibrant girls were once joined together. Isabelle and Abby have grown into strong and independent individuals who hardly recognize themselves in the pictures from their early years. As they shared in an interview with CBS News, they often marvel at how people ever got them mixed up.

According to their teacher at the time, Tiffany Moos, the twins have flourished academically and socially. They love gymnastics, have a wide circle of friends, and approach life with a sense of fun and adventure. Although they embrace their individuality, every now and then, they still hold hands as they walk together, a powerful symbol of the unbreakable bond they share.

In the video below, Abby and Isabelle share their own experience, giving us insight into their incredible journey:

The story of Isabelle and Abby Carlsen is nothing short of miraculous. Not only do we celebrate the resilience and strength of these two remarkable girls, but we also recognize the incredible surgical team who made this separation possible. This heartwarming tale serves as a reminder of the power of love, determination, and unwavering belief in the face of adversity. Let’s share their story and spread the love!