Separated as Babies, Thriving as Adults: The Incredible Journey of Conjoined Twins
Charity and Kathleen Lincoln were born on February 21, 2000, in Seattle, in circumstances so rare that their story soon made medical history. The twin girls were joined from the chest down to the pelvis. They each had their own torso, but they shared several vital organs — including the liver, intestines, and pelvic organs. To make things even more complicated, a third, underdeveloped leg was attached to their bodies.
From the very beginning, doctors knew that if the girls were to have any chance at living independent lives, a separation surgery would be necessary. But the risks were enormous — their anatomy was complex, and they were still infants.
When Charity and Kathleen were seven months old, a team of 30 specialists at Seattle Children’s Hospital made the bold decision to attempt the separation. The procedure lasted an astonishing 31 hours. Surgeons, orthopedists, urologists, and anesthesiologists worked tirelessly to divide their organs and tissues. In the end, each sister received one leg and a separate intestinal tract. Against all odds, both girls survived and began the long road to recovery.
Life after surgery wasn’t easy. The twins faced years of rehabilitation, countless medical check-ups, and daily challenges. Yet, with determination and unwavering family support, they grew stronger. They went to school, built friendships, and learned how to navigate life on their own terms.
By their teenage years, Charity and Kathleen were living lives that, while different, were full of possibility. And then, in 2021, their story came full circle in a way no one expected: Charity gave birth to her daughter, Alora — at the very same Seattle hospital where she and her sister had been separated two decades earlier. Even more moving, Dr. John Waldhausen, one of the surgeons who had helped save their lives as infants, was part of her care team during delivery.
Today, 25 years later, the Lincoln sisters stand as a living testament to resilience, medical innovation, and the power of family love 💖.
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