In 2006, Isabelle and Abby Carlsen entered the world conjoined at the chest, facing extraordinary challenges right from birth. Nearly two decades later, the twins, who were separated as infants, have shared an uplifting update on their lives and how far they’ve come since their life-changing surgery.
Overcoming the Odds
Born in North Dakota on November 29, 2006, Isabelle and Abby defied the odds from the start. Conjoined twins occur in only one out of every 100,000 births, and their survival to full term was nothing short of miraculous. Diagnosed during a routine ultrasound, their mother, Amy, faced the overwhelming reality of their condition. The twins were joined at the chest and abdomen, with Isabelle’s heart attached to Abby’s chest and their organs intertwined.
For the first six months of their lives, the girls remained at a hospital in Minnesota, where a dedicated medical team strategized their care. The complexity of their condition required months of planning, culminating in a groundbreaking separation surgery.
A Landmark Surgery
At just six months old, Isabelle and Abby underwent a 12-hour separation procedure involving 17 surgeons. The operation was a success, marking a major medical achievement and a new beginning for the twins. Reflecting on that time, their mother Amy expressed gratitude for the team’s unwavering dedication, saying, “Words can’t express how thankful I am for what they did for our girls.”
Life After Separation
By 2016, Isabelle and Abby were thriving. The twins revealed during an interview that they had no memories of being conjoined, though they carried physical reminders of their early connection.
“Every night we look in the mirror in our room, and we’re like, how do people get us mixed up?” Abby joked. Their father, Jesse, added that the girls are fiercely independent, saying, “They don’t want to be confused for one another. They’re their own person.”
Celebrating Milestones
Now 18 years old, Isabelle and Abby recently celebrated their milestone birthday. Their journey from conjoined infants to thriving young adults continues to inspire everyone who hears their story. Their resilience and the support of their family and medical team have played a crucial role in shaping their lives.
The Broader Picture of Conjoined Twins
While Isabelle and Abby’s story is one of successful separation, not all conjoined twins can be safely separated due to medical challenges. For some, like Lori and George Schappell, remaining conjoined was the best choice. Born in 1961 in Pennsylvania with fused skulls, the twins lived remarkable lives together, choosing not to pursue separation even when advancements made it possible.
Lori once stated, “I don’t believe in separation. I think you’re messing with God’s work.” Her twin, George, echoed her sentiments: “Would we be separated? Absolutely not. My theory is: why fix what is not broken?”
Closing Thoughts
Isabelle and Abby Carlsen’s lives today reflect how far they have come since their incredible separation surgery. From their early challenges as conjoined twins to their independent lives as young adults, their story continues to captivate and uplift those who hear it. Their journey is a reminder of the profound impact of medical breakthroughs and the strength of the human spirit.