On August 6, 2002, Josie and Teresita Alvarez made headlines around the world. The twin girls were born craniopagus twins, meaning they were conjoined at the tops of their heads. Dubbed "the Two Marias," their story remains one of the most miraculous success stories of conjoined twins; those fused at the head are exceptionally rare, and don't normally live to the age of 10.
Dr. Yamamoto at Mattel Children's Hospital led an incredible medical team that separated the girls a surgery that lasted 23 hours. To this day, Josie and Teresita spend much of their time in the hospital and undergo strict physical and occupational therapy. Had they remained conjoined, however, things could have taking a more devastating turn.
In the touching video below, Josie and Teresita — now beating all the odds at age 14 — travel back to California to reunite with the same medical staff that saved their lives. "Oh, my god! They're teenagers already!" exclaims Dr. Yamamoto. And that's not all — in honor of the holiday season, these amazing girls also give back to the young patients by spreading cheer and brightening up their day.
Please SHARE this wonderful video with your friends on Facebook!