Formerly conjoined twins finally head home

After 485 days at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), formerly conjoined twins Erin and Abby Delaney were discharged to return home to North Carolina, just in time for Thanksgiving.

Abby and Erin were born in CHOP’s Garbose Family Special Delivery Unit on July 24, 2016, 10 weeks premature and joined at the top of their heads.

On June 6, a 30-member team successfully completed the separation of the then 10-month-old twins.

MORE: Surgeons at CHOP separate twin girls joined at heads

The 11-hour surgery was the 23rd time that surgeons at CHOP have separated a pair of conjoined twins, but the first craniopagus (joined at the head and the least common) pair.

Going forward, Erin and Abby will need more surgeries as they mature. Their CHOP team, which has cared for them since birth, will continue to monitor them as they grow up. The team is optimistic about their progress so far and about their long-term potential.

MORE: Formerly conjoined twins thriving months after separation surgery

“The girls are inspiring,” said Heather Delaney, mother to Erin and Abby. “As their parents, it is very neat for Riley and me to have a front-row seat to this and watch them overcome these incredible obstacles. We cannot wait to see what their future holds!”

“The team at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has become like family,” added Heather. “Riley and I are so grateful for the care our girls have received here and so excited to take them home—just in time for the holidays.”