Two incredibly unique girls entered the world in 2005. In addition to being identical twins, Isabelle and Abby were conjoined from the chest to the stomach, a unique situation that instantly made Minnesota medical history.
Before you see how they look today, you might want to take a seat.
A very uncommon condition
Isabelle and Abby Carlsen, conjoined twins, were born at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, at the beginning of the new millennium. To be more precise, their birth on November 29, 2005, was both a historic occasion and a challenging medical situation.
Isabelle and Abby were soon dubbed “miracle babies” due to their survival despite having two linked hearts, a liver, and a tiny intestine, as well as being joined at the chest and abdomen. They clearly had a very uncommon ailment.
The story of Abby and Isabelle started after a routine ultrasound when the technician took an abnormally lengthy time to analyze the results, and Amy, the mother, thought something was amiss. It quickly became apparent that something wasn’t right as a growing sense of dread took over.
The ultrasound showed the startling reality: Amy and her husband Jesse’s long-awaited twins, Abby and Isabelle Carlsen, were conjoined from chest to abdomen, facing one other.
The news was dire: they had a one in 100,000 chance of surviving to birth. Nevertheless, Jesse and Amy remained optimistic in the face of the formidable obstacle. Despite the odds, they were adamant about doing everything in their power to bring their daughters into the world.
Thankfully, the delivery proceeded without incident.
A group of seventy medical experts got ready to separate the twins after five months. Doctors said there was a 90 to 95 percent probability both children would live, and preparations had been in place since February 2006.
The 12-hour procedure, which required multiple crucial moments, including the separation of the girls’ common liver, was carried out by a team of 17 surgeons.
For the first time in their lives, the once conjoined twins were able to sleep in separate beds after the successful surgery. After the difficult procedure, the girls were continuously monitored and needed breathing aid in the early stages, but they quickly recovered in a remarkable way.
Two weeks later, at the age of two, they returned home to North Dakota.
It is evident from looking back and going through the archives that the tale of Isabelle and Abby enthralled a whole country. Before the surgery, the family received thousands of well wishes, and more than $50,000 was raised. The family, who are quite religious, thanked everyone for their well wishes and prayers.
In a statement, the parents added, “It’s incredible how our girls have impacted so many people’s lives.”
In an interview at the girls’ three-year checkup at Mayo, mother Amy Carlsen said it felt like having a ready-made “journal” for their family because so many media outlets covered their story.
She remarked, “I don’t remember much of it.” In fact, I went back and watched and read everything.
Abby and Isabelle today
Amy and Jesse seen their daughters develop into happy little girls over the years. They cherished competition, fashion, and gymnastics.
Abby and Isabelle Carlsen have been unique people with unique personalities since birth. When the twins were conjoined, their mother, Amy Carlsen, used to joke that getting dressed was simple: just buy two identical dresses and put them on.
In the present day, Abby and Isabelle have developed into successful young ladies. Even though they are 19 years old and don’t remember being linked at birth, their bond is still as strong as ever.
The family will always be appreciative of what happened at the Mayo Clinic ten years ago.
Amy Carlsen remarked, “There are no words to describe how grateful I am for what they did for our girls.”
“It’s simply invaluable,” Jesse continued.
Ten years after the surgery, in fourth grade, the girls talked about their special bond while highlighting their individuality in an interview.
“Each night, we gaze into the room’s mirror and ask ourselves, ‘How can people confuse us?'” At the moment, Abby stated.
Abby and Isabelle have a strong friendship, yet their personalities are very different. Abby would be sound sleeping when Isabelle cried, and Belle would be conscious when Abby slept.
Isabelle had a lively side and enjoyed staying up late, while Abby was the cuddly, more sensitive twin. In their classes, the twins are referred to as Isabelle and Abby rather than as a pair since they have always insisted on being identified as individuals. Nevertheless, there are times when their connection becomes apparent.
Social media
For instance, you might see them holding hands in a crowded shopping center—a small habit that, despite the passing of the years, still seems a little odd to them.
Over time, that confidence and sense of humor have only increased.
Nineteen years have passed since the Carlsens, who were conjoined twin sisters, were split up in 2006. While Isabelle and their father, Jesse, are active on Instagram, the daughters are not very active on social media.
Isabelle posted a picture of herself and her twin sister Abby in 2020, tagging their father, Jesse, and writing, “15th birthday… in quarantine.”
Check out the girls’ photo below:
The twins, who are still united in spirit, are pursuing their respective careers in 2025. Even though they began their lives together in a way that few can comprehend, they are now just two contented young ladies with promising futures.
Their story is a tribute to tenacity, family, and the strong link of sisterhood, and it goes beyond a simple medical miracle.
Isn’t it lovely to see these young ladies now, vibrant and healthy? Please feel free to post this article on Facebook and leave a remark wishing the girls a happy day.
