Help our twins start strong!

May 15, 2025

Lilly & Lucy: Celebrating Milestones, Facing New ChallengesWe continue to be filled with awe and gratitude as we share an update on the incredible journey of our miracle formerly conjoined twins, Lilly and Lucy Thomas.As you know, Lilly and Lucy bravely underwent their separation surgery at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) on October 30th, 2024. The expert team at CHOP successfully separated the girls, who were joined at their abdomen, fused at their upper hip bones (iliac crest) and shared a portion of their lower colon. They also navigated the concerning post-operative challenges, including swelling and small colon perforations, with expert care from the medical team, and hopeful love of their family.One of the unique aspects of their recovery was the social adjustment to being apart after spending their first eleven months together. Understanding this profound change, the thoughtful team at CHOP placed life-size photos of each twin in the other's crib, a comforting reminder that their sister was nearby.The girls celebrated a precious milestone on November 9th, their first birthday, surrounded by the love of their family. Their recovery continued, focusing on healing and building the core strength needed to sit up independently. We also continued to monitor and support their progress with their club feet, with Lilly's requiring a bit more intervention.Just in time for Christmas, the twins were able to move to a rehabilitation facility closer to home, and by early February, they were finally home! Their journey of rehabilitation continues with dedicated physical and occupational therapy. Regular check-ups at CHOP keep their surgical team, nephrologists, and other specialists informed of their progress.We are overjoyed to share that both girls are growing and thriving in so many wonderful ways. They are active, engaged with their surroundings, joyfully playing with toys, and even beginning to speak words! Lilly's feeding tube was removed earlier this year, a significant step forward.However, we have encountered a new and significant challenge with Lucy's health. Despite the dedicated efforts of her medical team, her kidney function has continued to decline. We recently received the difficult news at a follow-up appointment at CHOP that Lucy is now eligible for the kidney donor list. A transplant is now inevitable, and Lucy has a long road ahead.Even with this serious health concern, Lucy's vibrant spirit shines through. She has discovered a love for her walker and is enthusiastically exploring the world around her, determined not to sit still!As we reflect on this journey since their separation day, we are profoundly grateful for the incredible progress Lilly and Lucy have made, the exceptional care they have received at CHOP, and the unwavering well wishes from our entire community.We are deeply thankful for your continued support as our miracle twins continue to impress everyone, shatter milestones, and bravely face their medical challenges. Your generosity provides hope and makes a tangible difference in their lives.If you or anyone you know has ever considered becoming a kidney donor, we ask you to consider learning more. Now is a time when awareness and generosity can truly change a life.Thank you for standing alongside Lilly and Lucy and our family. We will continue to keep you updated on their journey.

October 1, 2024

A Miracle is Coming: Lilly & Lucy's Journey to Separation

High spirits abound as we countdown to the separation surgery of Lilly & Lucy this month! Our little blessings unite an extraordinary community of family, caregivers, world-class doctors and prayer-filled strangers from near and far, to stand in awe of the courageous spirit, unbridled wonder, and babbling laughter that Lilly and Lucy bring to the world.

The next major step in the twins’ courageous journey starts with their 30 day preparation for separation! The expert medical team at CHOP has been carefully planning the precision surgery to finally give each twin their individual bodies! The girls endured a multi-hour MRI in May, followed by tests, ultrasounds, measurements, lifting, and studying to make sure the staff has well-orchestrated game plan for separation.

The road to separation has been challenging for Lilly & Lucy's parents and their older sisters. Balancing the demands of caring for conjoined twins while also meeting the needs of their other children has been no easy feat. With the compassionate sanctuary of the Ronald McDonald House in Philly, Mom has been able to spend more than half the week working during the day and then heading to CHOP to babble with the twins, feed them their first solid foods, change their single diaper, and watch them wind down with heavy eyelids as they float off to sleep with sweet dreams. Their sisters get to come into CHOP on special weekends, and Lilly and Lucy are always excited to see their big sisters with giant smiles and arms outreached.

The twins have been resilient through viruses, teething, and having to lay down much of the day. When the girls get to ride sitting-up in the wagon, they are super-excited and wide-eyed taking in the entire world around them. We know it’s time the girls were able to crawl, walk and run on their own! Lucy taught herself how to pull herself up and try to crawl – only slowed down by her sister, and little speed-bump, Lilly. Now we know the twins are ready to explore the world hand-in-hand, without a bodily tether.

We're ready to support Lilly & Lucy on this incredible journey and help them reach their full potential. Let's come together as a community to cheer them on and be part of their miracle!