Two extremely exceptional girls were born in 2005. In addition to being identical twins, Isabelle and Abby had an unusual condition that instantly made medical history in Minnesota: they were conjoined from the chest to the stomach.
Before viewing their appearance today, you might want to take a seat.
incredibly uncommon condition
The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, gave birth to conjoined twins Isabelle and Abby Carlsen at the beginning of the new millennium. More specifically, their delivery on November 29, 2005, was both a medically challenging task and a historic occasion.
Because Isabelle and Abby lived despite having their chests and abdomens united, sharing a liver, tiny intestine, and two linked hearts, they were soon dubbed “miracle babies.” It is clear that their condition was very uncommon.
Amy, the mother, felt something wasn’t right during a regular ultrasound when the technician took an abnormally long time to go over the results. This is how the story of Abby and Isabelle started. An increasing sense of unease took over, and it quickly became apparent that something was amiss.
Amy and her husband Jesse had been anxiously awaiting the twins, Abby and Isabelle Carlsen, but the ultrasound showed a startling reality: they were conjoined from chest to abdomen, facing each other.
They only had a one in 100,000 chance of surviving to birth, which was bad news. However, Jesse and Amy remained hopeful in the face of the huge obstacle. They stayed resolute in their resolve to overcome all obstacles in order to bring their daughters into the world.
Luckily, the delivery was uneventful.
Five months later, a group of seventy medical experts was ready to take the twins away. Doctors estimated that the chances of both daughters surviving were 90 to 95 percent, and preparations had been in place since February 2006.
The 12-hour procedure required a team of 17 surgeons and included multiple crucial moments, such as the separating of the girls’ combined liver.
The once conjoined twins were allowed to sleep in separate beds for the first time in their lives after the procedure, which was fortunately successful. Following the intricate treatment, the girls needed breathing help in the early stages and were continuously monitored, but they rapidly recovered in a remarkable way.
They returned to North Dakota two weeks later as two-year-olds.
Analysing the past and searching the archives, it is evident that the tale of Isabelle and Abby enthralled a whole country. Before the surgery, thousands of well wishes were sent to the family, and more than $50,000 was raised. Deeply religious, the family thanked everyone for their well wishes and prayers.
The parents added in a statement, “It’s incredible how our girls have impacted the lives of so many people.”
Mom Amy Carlsen said in an interview at the children’ three-year checkup at Mayo that it seemed like they had a ready-made ‘journal’ for their family because so many media sources covered their tale.
“I don’t recall much of it,” she remarked. I went back and watched and read everything, in fact.
Today, Isabelle and Abby
Amy and Jesse watched as their daughters grew into happy young ladies throughout the years. They had a passion for competition, fashion, and gymnastics.
Individuals with unique personalities, Abby and Isabelle Carlsen have existed since birth. According to a joke made by their mother, Amy Carlsen, dressing up the twins was simple once they were joined: simply get two identical outfits and wear them together.
As of right now, Abby and Isabelle are both successful young ladies. Their link is still as strong as ever, even though they are 19 years old and have no recollection of being born united.
The events at the Mayo Clinic ten years ago have left the family eternally thankful.
“There are no words to describe my gratitude for what they did for our girls,” Amy Carlsen remarked.
It is simply priceless,” Jesse continued.
In a fourth-grade interview conducted ten years following the treatment, the girls emphasised their individuality while sharing their special bond.
“We ask ourselves, ‘How can people mix us up?’ every night as we gaze into the room’s mirror.” That’s what Abby said.
Even though they are close, Abby and Isabelle are very different people. Isabelle would wail, and Abby would be sound sleeping, and Belle would be awake when Abby slept.
In contrast to Isabelle, who was lively and enjoyed staying up late, Abby was the cuddly, more sensitive twin. The twins are referred to as Isabelle and Abby in their schools rather than as a pair since they have always insisted on being identified as individuals. Even still, there are times when their connection is made clear.
Social networking
They may be seen holding hands in a crowded mall, for instance, a small habit that still seems a little odd to them after all these years.
That confidence and sense of humour have only gotten stronger over time.
Today marks the 19th anniversary of the Carlsens’ 2006 separation as conjoined twins. Although the girls don’t post much on social media, Isabelle and their father, Jesse, are active on Instagram.
Isabelle tagged their father, Jesse, in a 2020 post that featured a picture of herself and her twin sister Abby with the words, “15th birthday… in quarantine.”
Here is a photo of the girls:
The twins are pursuing their own careers in 2025, but their spirits will always be connected. They may have had a unique beginning to their lives together, but now they are just two contented young ladies with promising futures.
Beyond only a medical marvel, their story is a tribute to fortitude, kinship, and the unshakeable link of sisterhood.
These young ladies are so vibrant and healthy today—isn’t it amazing? Please feel free to leave a comment wishing the girls a happy day and share this post on Facebook.
