'If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't be here': Formerly conjoined twins, 19, reunite with the medical staff who separated them in life-saving surgery nearly two decades ago
- Erin and Jade Buckles, from Virginia, were born connected from chest to navel
- They underwent successful surgery at the Children's National Hospital in 2004
- The sisters have reunited with the doctors who gave them a new lease of life
Former conjoined twins have reunited with the medical staff who separated them as infants nearly 19 years ago.
Erin and Jade Buckles, 19, who were born in Woodbridge, Virginia, were born connected from mid-chest to navel.
The sisters shared a diaphragm with doctors unsure if they would be able to breathe on their own - but the duo underwent successful surgery at the Children's National Hospital in 2004.
They have now returned to reunite with the doctors who gave them both a new lease of life.
Erin and Jade Buckles, who were born in Woodbridge, Virginia, were born connected from mid-chest to navel
The sisters (pictured center) have now returned to reunite with the doctors who gave them both a new lease of life
Erin and Jade underwent the separation surgery shortly after they were born with an elite team of two dozen specialists involved in the 'risky' procedure
Erin and Jade underwent the separation surgery shortly after they were born with an elite team of two dozen specialists involved in the 'risky' procedure.
Reflecting on the surgery, mom Melissa told Good Morning America: 'It was very hard. We did not know when they were born if they would be able to survive.'
But the surgery was a success and the girls have now returned 19 years later to show their appreciation.
The duo, who are now both in college, were filmed as they walked into the room filled with staff who had helped during the operation.
Erin told the publication: 'If it wasn't for the people [at Children's National Hospital], we wouldn't be here at all. I think about that a lot.'
Jade added that she's 'thought about what life would be like' if they were still conjoined.
'I don't know how that would have really been possible to live a life like that,' she said.
The girls are now both keen athletes - with Jade running track and playing field hockey with Erin pursuing her interests in basketball on an all-wheelchair team.
Reflecting on the surgery, mom Melissa told Good Morning America : 'It was very hard. We did not know when they were born if they would be able to survive'
The girls are now both keen athletes - with Jade (left) running track and playing field hockey with Erin (right) pursuing her interests in basketball on an all-wheelchair team
Plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Boyajian told the publication: 'It was a huge emotional day. And to see them years later... is very big for me.'
Their father, Kevin Buckles, also told the publication that he was 'excited for the girls to see the team that helped start a new life for them by separating them and giving them their own individual bodies to go out and conquer life.'
'They've overcome so much, but they're just starting their lives right now. We're excited to see what that next chapter holds for both.'
