Year After Risky Surgery in the Bronx, Conjoined Twins ‘Defying the Odds'
Without separation, twins conjoined at the head typically do not survive past their second birthday
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What to Know
Last October, Jason and Anias McDonald underwent a 20-hour surgery, the last of four major procedures carried out over nine months
The doctor who worked on the craniopagus twins said it was one of the most challenging cases of his career
Although there were setbacks, such as seizures and scalp infections, their recovery has been nothing short of remarkable, medical team says
A year after two brothers who were conjoined at the head underwent a complex and risky procedure in the Bronx, they’re making steady progress and beginning to live lives similar to most 2-year-old children.
Jason and Anias McDonald have defied the odds over the last 12 months. Jadon is crawling and playing with his big brother’s toys. Anias, who faced an especially tough post-surgery recovery, is showing progress too; he’s gaining more strength, and breathing and sleeping more easily.
Last October, the boys underwent a 20-hour surgery — the final one of four carried out over nine months at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore in the Bronx. The procedure involved mapping the brothers’ attached brains using virtual planning and 3D printing technologies.
Maria Fareri Children's Hospital
Maria Fareri Children's Hospital
Just two weeks after undergoing a groundbreaking, 21-hour separation surgery, formerly conjoined twin girls Ballenie and Bellanie Camacho celebrated their first birthday this past weekend at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, a member of the Westchester MedicalnCenter Health Network (WMCHealth) and the children’s hospital for the Hudson Valley and Fairfield County.
Maria Fareri Children's Hospital
The rare and complex surgery, which spanned from Jan. 17 until the early morning hours of Jan. 18, was the first of its kind ever performed at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. An estimated 50 medical professionals worked on their case.
Maria Fareri Children's Hospital
Ballenie and Bellanie, whose actual birthday is Feb. 4, enjoyed a party hosted by Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital that included balloons, presents and two birthday cakes.
Maria Fareri Children's Hospital
On hand to celebrate their first birthday were proud parents Laurilin Celadilla Marte and Marino Abel Camacho and hospital staff, many of whom played a role in the separation procedure.
Maria Fareri Children's Hospital
The twin babies were born in Moca, Dominican Republic, in February 2016.
Maria Fareri Children's Hospital
Dr. Whitney McBride was the co-lead surgeon for the grueling separation procedure.
Maria Fareri Children's Hospital
He of course stopped by to join in the festivities.
In a statement, Dr. James Goodrich, director of pediatric neurosurgery, said he has worked on separating eight sets of craniopagus twins, but this was one of the most challenging cases of his career.
“Looking back to one year ago, we were confident we could separate the boys, but it wasn’t until the final operation that we could really see how conjoined their brains were,” Goodrich said.
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. A press release from Montefiore said they've been “defying the odds.”
The boys’ parents and big brother Aza relocated from Chicago to the Bronx so they could be by their side as they underwent months of specialized rehabilitation at Blythedale Children’s Hospital in Westchester.
The miracle 21-hour separation surgery if twin girls, Ballenie and Bellanie Camacho was a success.
Maria Fareri Children's Hospital
The twin girls were attached at the lower back, shared gastrointestinal connections as well as a branch of one artery.
Maria Fareri Children's Hospital
Ballenie’s and Bellanie’s surgery was the first of its kind performed at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital and one of few performed in New York state, the hospital said.
Maria Fareri Children's Hospital
The twins, nicknamed Las Maripositas (the “Little Butterflies”) by their parents, Abel Camacho and Laurilin Celadilla, have "recovered extraordinarily well," according to Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, and now are ready for the next step.
“We always had faith that the boys would get to where they are today,” Nicole McDonald said of her sons in a statement. “We are so happy and blessed to all be at home together and see the boys achieve new milestones every day.”
Since the surgery, the McDonald brothers were featured in a CNN documentary “Separated: Saving the Twins,” bringing them worldwide attention, and fans.
“We are humbled and grateful for the continued support we receive from our extended families at Montefiore, Blythedale and people we have never even met, as we have gone through this journey,” Nicole McDonald said.
One in 2.5 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.
Maria Fareri Children's Hospital
Eleven-month-old conjoined twins, Bellanie and Ballenie Comacho. (Credit: Maria Fareri Children's Hospital)
Maria Fareri Children's Hospital
Bellanie and Ballenie Comacho are 11-month-old formerly conjoined twins. On Jan. 17, they underwent a separation surgery at the Maria Fareri Children's Hospital in Valhalla, New York. (Credit: Maria Fareri Children's Hospital)
Maria Fareri Children's Hospital
After a grueling 21-hour procedure, the girls were successfully separated. (Credit: Maria Fareri Children's Hospital)
Maria Fareri Children's Hospital
They were born attached at the lower back, doctors said. They also shared gastrointestinal connections and a branch of one artery. (Credit: Maria Fareri Children's Hospital)
Maria Fareri Children's Hospital
The hospital said the separation process involved more than 50 medical professionals. (Credit: Maria Fareri Children's Hospital)
Maria Fareri Children's Hospital
It believed, in separating the twins, it was the first time in medical history some types of surgical work had been performed. (Credit: Maria Fareri Children's Hospital)
Maria Fareri Children's Hospital
Samir Pandya, one of the pediatric surgeons leading the surgical teams, said the surgery was full of challenges, but the girls would now have chances at better lives. (Credit: Maria Fareri Children's Hospital)
Maria Fareri Children's Hospital
The twin babies were born in Moca, Dominican Republic, in February 2016. (Credit: Maria Fareri Children's Hospital)
Maria Fareri Children's Hospital
A family friend referred parents Laurilin Celadilla Marte and Marino Abel Camacho to the specialists at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital after they were born and within a year the surgery was complete, the hospital said. (Credit: Maria Fareri Children's Hospital)
Maria Fareri Children's Hospital
The babies will now spend several weeks in recovery, but are expected to do well. (Credit: Maria Fareri Children's Hospital)
Maria Fareri Children's Hospital
No doubt their parents couldn't be happier. (Credit: Maria Fareri Children's Hospital)
