Former conjoined twin discharged from hospital

Former conjoined twin Azora Elson continues to be a medical marvel.

The toddler, who is living with a failing heart, not only woke up following weeks of intubation, but was discharged from the hospital on January 5. Her mother, Iesha McMurray, the latest development as miraculous.

"She is my little miracle girl. She woke up the same day she was extubated on December 2, and on January 5, she was able to go home. My baby is alive and up and about. Some weeks ago she was transferred from the ICU (intensive care unit) to the cardiac centre where they began some other type of heart medications, and she responded well to them," McMurray said.

Azora and her sister Azaria, who were joined at the abdomen, were born via C-section on November 7, 2023, at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI). The duo were admitted to the UHWI until last July when they were flown to King Abdullah Specialist Children's Hospital (KASCH) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where they were evaluated for three months. They were successfully separated on November 13 at KASCH. However, following the operation, Azora was transferred to the paediatric ICU at King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, and doctors stated that she needed a heart transplant to survive.

"The doctors said she had a slim chance of survival, but it is definitely not what man says, but it is what God says. What God cannot do doesn't exist, and that has always been my mantra. The doctors says her heart is still weak, but according to them, they are not looking at the ECG but the patient and how she is reacting to medication," she said.

"Her kidneys were being affected because of all the meds she was getting in ICU, but thankfully, they are okay now," she added.

Between smiles, McMurray described Azora as a cheerful and energetic toddler.

"She is a clingy little girl and she would cry a lot whenever I am leaving, but she is doing pretty fine. My baby is very active although she is not sitting firmly on her own as yet, but she is getting there. She is a very happy baby, and she stays close to her sister. These children are just truly two of God's greatest blessings," McMurray said.

As she continues to bond with her daughters, McMurray said she is expressing gratitude to all the well-wishers who offered prayers and words of encouragement.

"I am just really grateful to God for giving my baby another chance at life as I couldn't imagine my life without her. I always knew that she would be fine, and I want to thank the universe for all their prayers and words of encouragement. I appreciate them all," a grateful McMurray said.