Conjoined twins Abby and Erin Delaney: Inside their remarkable story

Post‑Surgery Recovery: Joys and Setbacks

The separation, while successful, was only the beginning of a new chapter—one filled with both hope and hard work.

Immediately following surgery, the twins were in critical care. They endured the normal struggles of major surgery recovery, but also the extraordinary challenge of adjusting to life outside the physical connection that had defined them since conception. For most of their tiny lives until that point, they had never known what it was like to have space between them—to look at each other face‑to‑face, to move independently, or to develop motor skills on their own.

The months following separation were marked by a series of milestones and hurdles:

• They began physical, occupational, and speech therapies to help them build strength, coordination, and developmental skills.

• For the first time, they were able to sit independently, be held separately in their parents’ arms, and practice rolling over and crawling.

• The girls faced typical childhood illnesses, which hit fragile immune systems especially hard. At one point, Abby endured a severe blood infection that led to septic shock, highlighting just how precarious recovery could be.

Despite such challenges, progress continued—slowly, resiliently, and marked by small triumphs that meant the world to their family.

Home for the Holidays: A Family Reunited

After 485 days in the hospital post‑birth, the twins and their parents finally prepared for a long‑awaited transition: going home.

In November 2017, Abby and Erin were discharged from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday—a poignant moment that symbolized both the end of an extraordinary medical chapter and the beginning of life beyond hospital walls.

For the first time, they would sleep in their own beds, play in their own spaces, and begin the everyday experiences that most families take for granted. Their parents, Heather and Riley, described it as “a dream come true”—not because the road ahead would be easy, but because it was finally theirs to walk together as a family.

Years of Growth, Therapy, and Milestones

Life after separation has been a long, courageous journey—characterized by therapy, growth, and the determination to thrive.

In subsequent years, Abby and Erin pursued developmental milestones some children reach naturally, but with extra support and perseverance. They continued to work on motor skills, speech, and strength through therapy programs designed specifically for their needs.

In 2023, the twins marked a joyful milestone: graduating kindergarten—a testament to their resilience and progress amid odds that once seemed insurmountable. Their parents celebrated their achievements with pride, noting how far they had come since those early days in the hospital.

Despite the joys, challenges remained. At one point, the family received an autism diagnosis for both girls—a development that brought additional emotional complexity to an already demanding caregiving landscape. As their mother shared, such a diagnosis doesn’t change who they are, but it does add another layer of consideration as they grow.

The twins also underwent further surgeries, including procedures to reconstruct and reshape their skulls, as is often necessary after complex cranial separations. Such surgeries are delicate, and each recovery carries its own challenges—Abby and Erin each handled these differently, with Erin reportedly having a somewhat more robust recovery than her sister in certain instances.

Yet through all of it, the Delaneys continued to share updates with their community, celebrating wins and acknowledging realities with openness and love.

A Story of Inspiration, Not Pity

What makes the story of Abby and Erin Delaney so remarkable is not merely the medical miracle of their separation—though that alone would capture scientific attention. It is the way that this story is human first: a family facing unimaginable challenges, a community of medical professionals dedicating their expertise, and two little girls who are growing up with courage that defies easy description.

Their journey challenges how we think about normalcy, ability, and the invisible milestones that define childhood. Sitting up independently, rolling over, graduating kindergarten—these are not small achievements for any child. For Abby and Erin, each one has been a conquest over circumstances that began with uncertainty and risk.

It is also a story that extends beyond medical charts and surgical suites. It is about love: the persistent, quiet, stubborn love of parents who refused to give up hope. It is about innovation: teams of doctors willing to push boundaries with precision and care. And it is about possibility: two girls who, once separated, were no longer defined by their condition but by who they could become.

Looking Ahead

Today, Abby and Erin continue to grow, learn, and explore the world one milestone at a time. Their story remains ongoing, a narrative that evolves with each birthday, each laugh, and each small victory.

The Delaneys’ experience stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, the advances of modern medicine, and the profound beauty of life in all its forms. Through trials and triumphs, the twins have shown that miracles are not singular moments—but ongoing journeys marked by resilience, care, and boundless human spirit.