Dominicans Say Goodbye to Siamese Twins María Teresa and Teresa María who Travel to the USA

Dominicans Say Goodbye to Siamese Twins María Teresa and Teresa María who Travel to the USA
Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, 9/2/2011

The girls will travel to the United States to be evaluated by specialists at the Richmond Children’s Hospital to determine if a separation procedure is possible.

Ever since First Lady Margarita Cedeño de Fernández heard about them, she began to visit them and offered extensive support to the twins’ parents.

The twins, their mother and an aunt paid a visit to the First Lady, Margarita Cedeño de Fernández and her daughter, Yolanda América who both wished the twins and their family the best of luck in their upcoming journey to the US. The First Lady said she hoped the twins, connected at the abdomen, will put their faith in God and continue connected emotionally but gain their physical independence.

Mrs. Cedeño de Fernández placed a blessed Baby Jesus medal on each of the little girls to be with them as they undergo their upcoming procedures. The girls were very happy with their gift, mumbling and gurgling with delight. They even took their first steps.

The twins will be traveling to Virginia accompanied by a representative of the Office of the First Lady which is in charge of everything related to the girls: their milk supply, food, diapers and medical attention as well as organizing everything related to their separation procedure.

The girls were born in the Dr. Luis Eduardo Aybar Hospital in April 2010 then transferred to the Dr. Robert Reid Cabral Children’s Hospital where they received necessary treatment. They share a liver and small intestine. In December of last year, they were evaluated by a team of physicians from the Richmond Children’s Hospital.

Ever since First Lady Margarita Cedeño de Fernández heard about them, she began to visit them and offered extensive support to the twins’ parents.

Last August, the girls were transferred to a totally remodeled and furnished home outfitted for their needs allowing them to grow in a comfortable and healthy environment.

The First Lady, through her Office, will continue providing follow-up for the twins as they await the decision of the experts as to when and how a separation will be possible.

The Richmond Children’s Hospital specializes in meeting the medical needs of children and their families.