Grateful Parents Bring Separated Twins Home After Year of Recovery

A pair of formerly conjoined twins were finally able to go home after spending their first year at the hospital

“Seeing them each in their own beds was an indescribable feeling,” Shaneka said, People reported on Wednesday (October 9). “It feels like we are beginning a new journey as a family of six.”

Amari and Javar, who had been staying at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), get to now live with their parents and siblings, big brother Kaylum and big sister Anora.

The Ruffins reportedly learned that Amari and Javar were conjoined during a routine ultrasound. Within days, they’d already met with a team and they soon learned that separation would be possible.

The twins reportedly shared the lowest part of their sternum, diaphragm, abdominal wall, and liver. The hospital explained in an official statement: “This set in motion the plan for preparing the boys’ first milestone: a safe birth.”

On September 29, 2023, the boys were born, collectively weighing about 6 lbs (approximately 2.7 kg). After 10 months of planning, the eight-hour operation to separate Amari and Javar took place on August 21, People reported.

Once separated, the boys’ abdomens were closed and rebuilt, using layers of mesh and plastic surgery techniques to stabilize each one.

Celebrating their first birthday on September 29, twins Amari and Javar Ruffin were successfully separated the previous month

“I was thinking about them being five going to kindergarten, when they got to do show and tell and show a picture and like who’s this,” Shankea reportedly said.

Dr. Holly L. Hedrick, MD, a pediatric general and fetal surgeon at CHOP explained: “The boys shared their liver. 

“The really nice thing, though, is they had equal parts, and equal parts were normal size. So it was the perfect scenario.”

Their parents, Tim and Shaneka Ruffin, brought the baby boys home on Tuesday (October 8) in Philadelphia, USA

She further revealed: “Separating conjoined twins always presents challenges because each set of twins is different.

“We spend hours rehearsing the flow of surgery prior to the big day – even practicing how to transfer each baby to their own bed. 

“We work collaboratively as a team, ready to combine our unique skills to achieve a safe separation and a chance for these babies to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.”

Amari and Javar had been staying at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)

After being separated, Amari and Javar continued working with physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and rehab medicine physicians “to ensure they continued to achieve developmental milestones.”

Some of the biggest highlights included learning to turn over and crawl, as per People. When it was finally time to come home, Shaneka reportedly said the entire family was looking forward to being together at home.

“They were excited and the energy changed,” the boys’ dad Tim said, CBS News reported on Wednesday.

The relieved mom said: “We are so grateful to CHOP for helping make this day possible and letting us start this next chapter.”

“It’s a miracle blessing,” Tim added.

 They now get to live with their parents and siblings, big brother Kaylum and big sister Anora

CHOP has now performed 32 conjoined twin separations, the most of any hospital in North America, as per CBS News.

Conjoined twins occur once in every 50,000 to 60,000 births, according to CHOP. Approximately 70% of conjoined twins are female, and most are stillborn. 

Additionally, approximately 75% of conjoined twins are joined at least partially in the chest and share organs with one another.

• Conjoined twins often share vital organs, blood vessels, or other body parts, which complicates diagnosis and treatment.
• Surgery to separate conjoined twins is extremely complex, requiring a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, anesthesiologists, and specialists.
• Even after separation, the twins may face long-term health issues, including developmental delays, organ complications, and mobility limitations.

• Conjoined twins may experience identity challenges, especially as they grow older and develop distinct personalities.
• Psychological counseling is essential to help both the twins and their family cope with the emotional strain of their condition and the separation process.
• Family stress can also arise, as the parents often face difficult decisions regarding surgeries, treatments, and long hospital stays.

• After separation, conjoined twins may require lifelong medical follow-up, including monitoring for any complications related to shared organs or other health concerns.
• Some twins may require additional surgeries or therapies as they grow, which can place ongoing pressure on families and caregivers.

• Specialized teams including pediatric surgeons, neurosurgeons, cardiologists, and plastic surgeons are essential for the separation procedure.
• Post-separation, these teams continue to offer ongoing care, ensuring the twins recover fully or receive the necessary treatments for any complications.

• Pediatricians specializing in the care of conjoined twins can guide their health and development throughout childhood.
• Occupational and physical therapy are important to help the twins adapt to life after separation, especially if they experience mobility or coordination issues.

• Genetic counselors can provide important information to the family about the nature of conjoined twinning, the potential for future pregnancies, and the hereditary aspects of the condition.
• This service helps parents understand the risks and make informed decisions about future family planning.

• The medical costs associated with separating conjoined twins can be overwhelming, including the cost of surgery, post-operative care, and long-term rehabilitation.
• Many families rely on fundraising or external assistance to manage the financial burden of medical care.

• Lifelong medical monitoring is important to detect any late complications arising from shared organs or the effects of surgery.
• Regular check-ups with pediatric specialists, cardiologists, or other necessary experts help ensure the long-term well-being of the twins.