Jadon and Anias McDonald, born conjoined at the head, were once unable to look at each other. Now, the twins lay side by side as they prepare for the next chapter in their extraordinary story: post-surgery rehab.
The boys will receive specialized rehabilitation care at Blythedale Children's Hospital in Westchester, just nine weeks after they endured over 20 hours of surgery to be separated at a hospital in the Bronx.
Although there were setbacks during the final separation, such as seizures and scalp infections, their recovery has been nothing short of remarkable, according to their medical team.
"Jadon and Anias continue to surprise us every day," said Dr. James Goodrich, who led the operation, in a statement. "We knew recovery would take time, but we are all amazed by how well the boys are bouncing back."
Now 15 months old, the twins will return to the Children's Hospital at Montefiore for follow-up appointments.
One in two-and-a-half million live births are craniopagus, or conjoined at the head, and without separation, craniopagus twins typically do not survive past their second birthday, according to Montefiore Hospital.
