Lily and Addy Altobelli, born as conjoined twins, underwent separation surgery at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in 2021. Now active and mischievous, they are thriving.
When an ultrasound early in the second trimester showed they were expecting conjoined twins, Dom and Maggie Altobelli decided to move from Chicago to deliver the twins at CHOP. Eleven months after they were born connected at the chest and abdomen, the twins underwent separation surgery at CHOP in October 2021. Their complex surgery lasted nine hours and involved dozens of medical professionals to complete. But afterward, for the first time, Dom and Maggie saw their daughters in separate cribs.
What’s next?
Down the road, additional surgeries will be required to strengthen the girls’ chest walls. Until then, the girls are receiving physical therapy to continue growing their muscles and stability. Daily playing activities like running, climbing, and reaching are helping them develop.
The Altobellis believe that this experience has given them empathy for other families who are going through similar circumstances. Dom says they are enjoying a new perspective in life, having opened their eyes to a whole new world. Additionally, throughout the last three years, the Altobellis have helped raise $4 million for research and care at CHOP. Dom believes that fundraising “gives the ability and the fuel to the brilliant minds at CHOP to do what they do … save children’s lives.” CHOP has successfully separated 32 sets of conjoined twins, more than any hospital in North America.
Where are they now?
Over the last three years, Lily and Addy have grown stronger every day and now have many of their medical issues behind them. Dom and Maggie get to enjoy them as active and silly kids. In May 2024, the twins became big sisters to, Millie, a healthy baby girl. Today, the Altobellis are living a life of gratitude for all their miracles.
Watch Lily & Addy’s uplifting and inspiring story here!
