Key Takeaways:
– Ella and Eliza Fuller, formerly conjoined twins, celebrated their first birthday, marking their journey into toddlerhood.
– Their parents, Sandy and Jesse Fuller, share heartwarming insights into the twins’ daily lives, highlighting their bond and distinct personalities.
– Born connected at the abdomen, the twins underwent a successful separation surgery at four months old, led by Dr. Alice King and a skilled team at Texas Children’s Hospital.
– The rarity of conjoined twins adds complexity to their medical care, but Ella and Eliza are thriving post-surgery.
– The Fuller family expresses immense gratitude for the support and prayers from their community, celebrating the twins’ resilience and milestones.
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Ella and Eliza Fuller have stepped into the world of toddlers, celebrating their first birthday with joy and laughter. Their mother, Sandy Fuller, shared with TODAY’s Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb how inseparable the twins are, engaging in morning conversations filled with giggles. Jesse Fuller, their father, noted the contrasting personalities of his daughters: Ella’s constant quest for attention versus Eliza’s calm demeanor.
Sandy’s Instagram tribute to her daughters paints them as “miracle babies,” recounting the emotional day she and Jesse welcomed their “hugging twins” into the world. Born connected at the abdomen, Ella and Eliza’s entry into life was through a cesarean section at Texas Children’s Hospital on March 1, 2023. The revelation of their conjoined condition came at 12 weeks of pregnancy, leading to an outpouring of prayers and support for the family.
The twins faced a critical moment at four months old, undergoing a six-hour separation surgery. Dr. Alice King, a pediatric surgeon, led the operation with the support of a 17-member surgical team. The rarity of conjoined twins, occurring once in every 50,000 to 60,000 births, underscores the complexity and uniqueness of their case.
Despite the challenges, Ella and Eliza are flourishing. Their mother joyfully announced their discharge from physical therapy in January, a testament to their progress and resilience. Sandy marvels at their development, especially their ability to crawl, considering their initial inability to use core muscles for months. The twins’ nightly conversations and laughter are a source of joy for their family, showcasing their incredible journey from conjoined twins to thriving toddlers.