Conjoined twins turn one

Conjoined twins Azora and Azaria Elson celebrated their first birthday in style at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) last Thursday.

Dressed in adorable denim outfits with pink headbands, the twins were the centre of attention as family, friends, and hospital staff gathered to mark this extraordinary milestone.

The celebration was filled with laughter, cake, and gifts, and for their mother, Iesha McMurray, it was an emotional and triumphant day.

"I was so overwhelmed. I had to cry. But, you know, it's their first birthday and looking back at the past year, their birthday is very special. Remember, with conjoined twins, they don't always live. So each time they reach a month, I have to be grateful that they're still here, still alive, happy, and healthy," she said.

"I never once doubted that my twins would see their first birthday, and they'll see many more," McMurray added. "I prayed a lot during my pregnancy, and I'm still praying for all my children every day. I'm just so happy they got to celebrate their first. I was more excited for them than I was for mine," she added, smiling.

The twins, joined at the abdomen, share some abdominal skin, parts of their gastrointestinal tract, and an umbilical cord. Born on November 7, 2023 at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital in Kingston, they have spent all of their lives in the hospital, captivating the hearts of the medical team.

McMurray joyfully recalled how even their first words reflected a playful rivalry: "Dem outta order essi, a bare 'Dada' dem a say and not 'Mama'!" she laughed. "But it's wonderful to see them learning little words and being so smart. It was like they knew it was a special day."

The celebration saw contributions from staff and generous supporters. "The nurses decorated the room, brought cake, ice cream, and cupcakes. Romeich even sent his team with gifts from Shenseea and Pickney Pampering. They even had a clown to make the girls laugh," McMurray said. She added that the twins enjoyed every moment, their laughter filling the room as they devoured cake and ice cream.

Family members who had yet to meet the twins seized the opportunity to celebrate alongside McMurray and the girls' siblings, Ozil and Ozalea.

"The whole family came together, and it was just nice. I spent the entire day with them, not leaving until late that night," McMurray said.

Despite their resilience, the twins face ongoing medical challenges. Azora has been grappling with heart issues, prompting doctors to look into separation surgery overseas, a procedure vital for their future but fraught with financial hurdles. Initially set to be performed locally, the operation was delayed due to Azora's heart condition. Now, McMurray has received an acceptance letter from Nemours Children's Hospital in Florida, where the surgery could be performed at a cost of US$2.5 million (approximately J$398.8 million).

"It's still very hard, but I'm doing my best," McMurray said. "I'm reaching out to anyone who can help. I want to see my daughters live a normal life. I want to attend their weddings and graduations, so please help them."

Through the challenges, McMurray continues to marvel at her daughters' strength.

"It's just a wow moment! They're here, and they're alive--and that's everything," she said. Both parents remain hopeful and deeply committed to supporting their twins through each step of this journey.