Abbigail and Isabelle Carlsen recently celebrated their 18th birthday. Born as conjoined twins, they underwent a complex separation surgery when they were just six months old. Despite additional medical procedures as they grew up, they now lead full and joyful lives.

The journey began when Amy, their mother, noticed something troubling during a routine ultrasound. The technician’s unusually long explanation and the ominous feeling Amy had suggested that something was wrong. The ultrasound revealed that Abby and Belle were conjoined from their abdomen to their chest, facing each other.

The grim reality was that their chances of surviving to birth were only one in 100,000. Nevertheless, Jesse and Amy were determined to do everything possible to bring their daughters into the world. On November 29th, Abby and Belle were born, two beautiful girls with an extraordinary bond.

Dr. Moir, recognizing the complexity of the twins’ condition, ordered detailed ultrasounds and scans. The images revealed that while each girl had her own vital organs, their hearts overlapped, their pancreases were joined, and their intestines were entangled. Faced with this intricate challenge, Dr. Moir assembled a surgical team of over 30 specialists, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses. After nearly 10 hours of meticulous surgery, the team successfully separated Abby and Isabelle.

From birth, Abby and Belle have exhibited distinct personalities. Their mother, Amy Carlsen, humorously recalled how it was easier to buy matching outfits when they were connected—just buy two and fasten them together. Despite their close bond, Abby and Belle have different traits. Abby was the snuggler, more sensitive and calm, while Belle was energetic and tended to stay awake. They have always been keen on maintaining their individual identities, preferring to be known as Isabelle and Abby in their classrooms.

Recently, on November 29, 2023, the twins celebrated their 18th birthday. They continue to share many activities, such as dancing in groups and maintaining common friendships.

The bond between twins like Abby and Belle is truly remarkable. They can finish each other’s sentences and sense each other’s emotions. Stories of twins who were separated but still made similar life choices highlight the extraordinary and unique connection they share.