The Hamby twins haven’t even been born yet and they’re already making history. They’re conjoined twins that share a torso, arms and legs. Because they share a heart and circulatory system, the boys will not be able to be separated.
It's a rare pregnancy, but parents Michael and Robin Hamby have relied on their faith, hopeful the boys can beat the odds. The Ladonia, Ala., couple has chronicled the pregnancy on a Facebook page for the twins, posting video updates seen by thousands.
“We’re excited about it, we’re nervous, scared,” Michael said in a video posted this week. “You name it, but we’re going through it.”
Wednesday afternoon, the Hambys made the drive from the Columbus area to Northside Hospital, where they’ll spend the night. Early Thursday, a team of doctors and nurses will be on hand to deliver the boys, already named Eli and Asa.
Like any expectant parents, the Hambys can’t wait to welcome the boys into the world and post their photos on Facebook.
“We promise to keep you in the loop as much as possible,” Michael said in a video. “I promise you, you’re going to get look at my pretty babies.”
Once they’re delivered, doctors will evaluate the boys before they are transported to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, according to the Hambys. While extensive testing and ultrasounds have prepared doctors for what to expect, the rarity of this type of twins makes theirs births risky.
Conjoined twins occur once every 200,000 live births, but between 40 and 60 percent arrive stillborn, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Being joined side-by-side makes the Hamby twins even rarer, a condition known as dicephalic parapagus.
But the Hambys, parents of a 22-month-old daughter, say they are praying for the best. The support of family and friends, and numerous doctors and nurses, has the couple prepared for the challenge, the Hambys said.
Anyone wishing to assist the family with medical costs can donate to the Hamby Twins Benefit account at any branch of Wells Fargo or through an online fundraising page.
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