In 2005, Abby and Isabelle Carlsen were born under extraordinary circumstances—conjoined twins, both chest and abdomen, with a shared liver and small intestine. Their condition was extremely rare, and their survival was uncertain.
When they were discovered during a routine ultrasound, their condition shocked their parents, Amy and Jesse. Despite all the odds, the girls were born safely in Minnesota. After months of planning, a team of 17 surgeons from the Mayo Clinic successfully separated the twins in a 12-hour operation in May 2006. The complex surgery garnered nationwide attention and sparked an outpouring of public support and prayer.
The recovery was challenging but hopeful. Just two weeks after the surgery, the twins were back home in North Dakota. As they grew up, Abby and Isabelle developed distinct personalities—Abby more sensitive, Isabelle more energetic. Although they don’t remember the conjoined bond, their deep bond remains.
The Carlsen twins, now 19, lead fulfilling, independent lives. They avoid the spotlight, but occasional social media glimpses show two confident young women, each shaping their own future.