Abby and Erin came into the world not as ordinary twins, but as conjoined at the head. Their birth alone defied medical odds. Fewer than 2% of children with their condition survive long enough to be considered for separation surgery. But Abby and Erin were part of that rare 2%.

Their mother, Ann Delaney, had known something was different since her 11-week ultrasound. Doctors were direct — the condition was severe, and termination was strongly advised. But Ann chose hope.

She was hospitalized at 27 weeks in an effort to prolong the pregnancy, but by 30 weeks, complications led to an emergency C-section. The girls arrived early, tiny, and physically fused in one of the most complex ways imaginable — at the skull.

What came next was a gamble with life.

Months of medical planning led to a decision: separation surgery was possible, though highly dangerous. On June 6, 2017, just before their first birthday, the girls underwent an intense 11-hour operation. Erin was separated first. With Abby, surgeons carefully navigated shared blood vessels and delicate brain tissue.

Miraculously, both girls survived.

Five months later, they were well enough to leave the hospital and go home. But the road ahead would be long.

Seven years later, they are still defying odds — in their own way.

Abby and Erin live with significant intellectual disabilities. Neither of them speaks. Erin took her first steps at age five. Abby, though unable to walk on her own, can now stand with support. Every movement is a triumph.

They smile. They laugh. They play with other children. Their journey isn’t defined by what they can’t do — but by how far they’ve come.

Their mother continues to believe: one day, Abby will take her first independent step. Slowly, steadily, they keep moving forward — together.