In the closing weeks of winter 2002, Jake and Erin Herrin happily welcomed twin daughters, Kendra and Malia. When they learned the girls were Siamese twins, the news brought mixed emotions. While overjoyed by the addition to their family, the parents also faced uncertainty about the future.
After four years of living together, Kendra and Malia were separated by their parents in hopes of giving them the opportunity for independent lives. Each girl was fitted with two legs, and they quickly adapted, learning to walk and even run with ease.
In 2006, the twins underwent a lengthy and complex separation surgery that lasted over a day and involved 31 doctors. Once the media learned of their story, Kendra and Malia gained national attention.
Over the next 14 years, the girls adjusted to their new lives, attending school and receiving home education. They developed a talent for drawing, a shared passion that became a significant part of their lives. Kendra and Malia became role models, inspiring others with their resilience. Their peers view them as heroes at school, and at 18, they continue to inspire everyone around them.
Although they could lead separate lives, the twins remain close, living life to the fullest. Both are skilled drivers, having completed driving school, and they actively share their experiences on social media and YouTube, amassing thousands of followers.
The Herrin sisters have also connected with the family of Kelly and Carter, another pair of Siamese twin daughters. Offering advice and support based on their own experiences, the Herrins help guide the family as Kelly and Carter consider their options for the future, including the possibility of separation.
