On February 26, 2002, Kendra and Maliyah Herrin, twins, were born, bringing immense joy to their parents, Erin and Jake, as they entered the world. However, their arrival also presented their parents with a difficult and life-changing decision.

Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, Kendra Deene Herrin and Maliyah Mae Herrin were extraordinary conjoined twins, specifically of the Ischiopagus/Omphalopagus type. They shared vital organs such as a large intestine, bladder, liver, and a single kidney, while being connected at the abdomen and pelvis, and sharing one pair of legs.

From the early stages, Erin and Jake understood the immense risks involved in separating their daughters. Doctors informed them that Kendra and Maliyah lacked the necessary organs to survive independently outside of Erin’s womb. There were concerns about the twins’ survival in their first weeks, and one doctor even advised terminating the pregnancy due to the complications involved. However, Erin had seen her daughters’ faces up close in an MRI scan and had fallen in love with them, reinforcing her determination to see them thrive.

As Kendra and Maliyah grew, the question of whether to keep them conjoined or undergo a highly risky separation surgery loomed over Erin and Jake. While the surgery offered a higher chance of survival into adulthood, it also carried the possibility of losing one or both of their daughters.

The primary medical challenge faced by Kendra and Maliyah was their shared kidney. Statistical data indicated that only 75 percent of surgical separations resulted in at least one twin surviving. After extensive tests and evaluations, doctors proposed a surgery where Kendra would retain the kidney while Maliyah would require a transplant. However, kidney transplants were generally not feasible for infants, necessitating a wait until the girls were four years old.

After careful consideration, Erin and Jake decided to proceed with the operation, leading up to a crucial day on August 7, 2006. Six skilled surgeons worked together in the separation surgery, and fortunately, both twins pulled through following the lengthy and demanding procedure.

Once the girls stabilized, Jake and Erin reached out to the public, who had closely followed the Herrin family’s remarkable journey. They expressed gratitude for the support and prayers they had received, acknowledging the courage their 4-year-old daughters had exhibited throughout the challenging ordeal.

Kendra and Maliyah became the first set of conjoined twins to be successfully separated while sharing a kidney. Nevertheless, their recovery required extensive rehabilitation. Regular bandage changes were necessary, taking two hours for each sister, and the girls had to learn to move with their remaining legs. Additionally, Maliyah required special care and regular dialysis sessions.

Over time, it became evident that Kendra and Maliyah’s recovery was truly extraordinary. When Maliyah needed a new kidney, Erin selflessly stepped forward as a match. Despite the uncertainty of whether Maliyah’s body would accept the transplant, Erin’s kidney proved to be a successful match. The twins, now 17 years old and residing in Salt Lake City, remain grateful to their parents for embarking on the risky separation surgery, which allowed them to lead separate lives while still sharing a deep bond as sisters.

In 2015, Maliyah faced another challenge as her body began rejecting the kidney donated by her mother. This was a devastating blow for the Herrin family. However, their strength and positivity once again shone through. In April 2018, they shared the exciting news of finding an anonymous donor. Subsequent tests indicated no signs of rejection, offering hope for a better outcome.

Today, Kendra and Maliyah have transitioned from their teenage years. In February 2022, they celebrated their 20th birthday together, and a month later, Maliyah graduated from Technical College with aspirations of pursuing a career in graphic design. Throughout their journey, from learning to crawl as babies to surviving a risky separation surgery and relearning how to walk, Kendra and Maliyah have demonstrated incredible resilience and toughness.

These remarkable young women serve as an inspiration to all, and their parents undoubtedly take immense pride in their achievements. Their story is a testament to the power of determination, love, and the human spirit. If you, too, are moved by the Herrin family’s journey, feel free to share their incredible story.