In 2000, Emily and James Stark discovered they were having conjoined twins, Lexi and Sidney, who were joined at the intestines, tailbone, and spine. Despite the initial shock, they were determined to give their girls the best chance at a normal life. After seven months, the twins underwent a high-risk surgery to be separated. The surgery was successful, and the girls have grown up to be healthy and happy. They share a special bond, often sensing each other's emotions and needing physical comfort from each other. The family's story is a rare and inspiring example of a successful conjoined twin separation, and they hope to provide hope and positivity to other parents facing similar circumstances.
1. James and Emily Stark had a pregnancy that was nerve-racking, and the ultrasounds made them anxious.
2. Emily had a feeling that they would have twins.
3. At an ultrasound appointment, the doctor told them that their babies were joined somewhere in the lower region.
4. Conjoined twins are rare, occurring in about 1 in 60,000 births.
5. It's estimated that 40 to 60% of conjoined twins are delivered stillborn, and 35% survive for only one day.
6. Lexi and Sidney Stark were born on March 9th, 2001, despite expected complications, and were healthy baby girls.
7. They were conjoined at the intestines, tailbone, and spine.
8. The twins were separated by surgery seven months after birth.
9. The Starks had to make difficult decisions about their daughters' care and surgery.
10. The separation surgery was a high-risk operation with potential complications, including paralysis and colostomies.
11. After the surgery, the twins had scars on their backs and from the colostomy.
12. The twins are now 17 years old and do not have any major health problems as a result of being conjoined.
13. They have a special bond and can sense each other's emotions.
14. They have had experiences where they felt each other's pain or emotions, even when they were in different locations.
15. The twins are going off to college, but not together, with Lexi wanting to attend the University of Missouri in St. Louis and Sidney wanting to attend the University of Calgary.