The Starks’ discovery that they were expecting twins more than 17 years ago was undoubtedly miraculous, but what really sets their story apart is that their twins were conjoined.Every family celebrates the birth of their first child, but Emily and James Stark faced a surprise that very few couples worldwide ever experience. The Colorado couple claimed that during the initial ultrasound, they discovered something unique about the pregnancy. They recently shared their incredible tale with Megyn Kelly on TODAY. Conjoined twins are extremely uncommon; just one out of every 50,000 births had them.Depending on the circumstances, the degree of conjoining these twins can vary greatly and, regrettably, might result in a number of danger problems. Obviously, the Starks had a lot on their minds.
The Starks’ discovery that they were expecting twins more than 17 years ago was undoubtedly miraculous, but what really sets their story apart is that their twins were conjoined. Conjoined twins are extremely uncommon; just one out of every 50,000 births had them. Depending on the circumstances, the degree of conjoining these twins can vary greatly and, regrettably, might result in a number of danger problems. Obviously, the Starks had a lot on their minds.
About 40–60% of conjoined twins are stillborn at birth, and even then, only 35% of them live for a day. In the crucial months before birth, the Starks had a lot of thinking to do, and that can be too much for any family to handle. A frightening endeavor for any parent, they also had to think about the possibility of future separation surgery.
Sydney and Lexi, their twin girls, were born healthy on March 9, 2001. Their tailbone, intestines, and spine were united. They were happy and healthy newborns despite the difficulties of joining; they were eventually discharged home after spending many weeks in the intensive care unit.
The proud parents spent the first few months clothing, feeding, and taking care of the girls in ways that very few parents do because Lexi and Sydney would have to wait six months before any separation procedure could be considered. The Starks claim that they received special training in twin raising from their conjoined daughters. That is undoubtedly an understatement!
It was not an easy decision for the Starks to proceed with separation surgery. They were always concerned about whether they would be affecting their daughters’ individuality and means of subsistence in any way. However, they ultimately made the decision to proceed with the help of a solid group of physicians and those in their immediate vicinity. After conquering numerous of the previously described obstacles, it was at last time for surgery.
The sisters had the all-day surgery on October 9, 2001, exactly six months after their birth. Since every twin pair is carefully evaluated for their unique circumstances and operation, it is impossible to compute the statistics on separation surgery. Fortunately for the Starks, however, the medical procedure worked.
Since their amazing operation, Lexi and Sydney have flourished and are now mature teenagers prepared to start college. They joined Megyn Kelly and their parents to discuss their unique “twin sense,” attractiveness, and scars despite being apart. The sisters have a really special link, and hearing their motivational tale serves as a great model for families dealing with various medical emergencies.
You really have to witness this story to believe it! Watch TODAY’s interview below to get to know the amazing Sydney Stark and Lexi.
