Miracles happen every once and again, and they remind us that even in a world ordered by science and logic, incredible things may still happen. These times often arrive when we believe all hope is gone, reminding us that life is full of surprises and choices and that nothing is ever really set in stone.
The birth of Abby and Erin Delaney in 2016 was something that most parents could never understand. They were craniopagus twins, which means they were joined at the head. This is one of the most unusual and difficult kinds of twins. The odds were against them from the moment they learned about their illness. The doctors stated they had a 5% to 25% chance of living. But a combination of cutting-edge medical technology, continual care, and sheer willpower would result in what many people consider is a miracle in today’s world.
Heather Delaney and her partner, Riley, were overjoyed when they learned they were going to have a child. The couple, who had known each other since they were kids, were delighted to start a family together. The excitement became even greater when they found out they were having twins. Like any other parents-to-be, they got ready for the trip ahead. But they could never have known what would happen.
Heather was already really stressed out during her pregnancy, but it got worse when doctors told her that the twins were connected at the head. The shock hit right quickly. Later, Heather claimed in an interview, “We were shocked.” It was awful. But we knew right away that we would go through with the pregnancy no matter what. I didn’t think it was my job to decide if they lived or died.
The pair stayed hopeful. Abby and Erin were born by C-section on July 24, 2016. They both weighed under two pounds. Then they set out on a long and risky voyage. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia was their home, and for the first 485 days of their lives, they had to fight to keep alive there.
Craniopagus twins have one of the hardest paths to separation since their blood vessels, brain tissue, and skull form are all so intricate. But the doctors and nurses at CHOP have been getting ready for this day since the beginning. After months of planning and various preliminary operations, a team of more than 30 medical professionals performed the operation to separate the sisters in June 2017. It took more than 11 hours to finish the surgery. It was hard, demanding, and risky. But in the end, it worked.
Even though Abby lost some sinus structures and both kids had to keep going to the doctor, everyone was amazed at how strong and tough they were. The surgical team’s inventive use of 3D modeling and other technology to reshape the girls’ skulls and soft tissues before they were separated made their story even more astounding. The result was a groundbreaking procedure that was later covered in the New England Journal of Medicine.
The breakup didn’t mean their problems were over. Abby and Erin underwent a lot of further surgery in the months and years that followed, including a big skull repair in July 2021. It was hard for Erin to get better, but the family kept going, one step at a time. Heather used social media to keep her friends and supporters up to date on her progress by sharing happy, sad, and progress-filled moments.
The journey they took wasn’t just a trip. Heather said in 2022 that both girls have autism. It shocked me and made me feel a lot. “People with autism are looked down on by a lot of people, and that worries me about the girls’ future,” she said in a blog post that came from the heart. “They have a lot going on, and being autistic makes it even harder.” I sobbed a lot when I got that call. I just want the diagnosis to be done. I know it doesn’t matter. I know the girls are still the same, and we love them just as much, if not more, than we did yesterday. But it’s really upsetting to get another diagnosis.
Abby and Erin keep growing and surprise everyone around them, even with all the craziness going on. Heather added that Abby is getting closer to being able to walk on her own every day. On the other hand, Erin is already running around and climbing stairs with more and more strength. Pictures show their personalities: big smiles, expressive faces, and a spirit that won’t die.
It’s hard not to smile when you see the girls, who will be nine in 2025. Yes, they have a lot of challenges in their lives, but they also have a lot of love, laughter, and hope. They are beautiful and strong, and their family has always believed in them.
Heather said once, “We’re very proud of the girls and how far they’ve come and where they’re going.” We have never wanted things to be different because we love our girls just the way they are. It sums up the heart of this extraordinary journey: a story of love, bravery, and strength that never ends.
The story of the Delaneys shows us that sometimes the scariest things can lead to the best miracles. It also shows that love, patience, and strength can help you get through even the hardest times.
God bless this family and the two little kids who continue to inspire so many people.