Mothers never give up on their children. Formerly Co-joined twins who shared a head celebrate 10 years living unique separate lives!

Never test the resolve of a mother when faced with adversity and when it concerns her children, that resolve becomes stronger. Arlene Aguirre gave birth to conjoined twins; the boys, now 12, were born joined at the top of their heads, unable to sit up, stand straight, eat normally — or see each other. She was told that she has to make a choice on which child to save. 'When they were born, the doctors at home (The Philippines) told me, ‘‘you have to choose which one is to live'',’ Arlene Aguirre said, ''I cannot choose that''.

Clarence and Carl enroute New York for their operation

Good news came when the boys’ case was accepted by the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York USA. The boys were separated on August 4, 2004.

The boys sit up and play after the operation in 2004

Now 10 years on, one twin uses an iPad, plays video games and dances to Michael Jackson tunes. The other has significant, possibly permanent, problems walking and talking. Arlene feels fulfilled even though one of the twins faces physical challenges. To her, their survival after that risky operation to have them separated is enough to celebrate. 

   Arlene and her twin boys