“Triplets are already a rarity, but the addition of a conjoined twin within the triplet set defies expectations, with science indicating such births occur only once in every 200,000 live births!

When a couple, grappling with addiction and neglecting prenatal check-ups, found themselves in this extraordinary situation, they were at a loss for what to do.”

The couple made the difficult decision to give the babies up for adoption, hoping it would offer them a better chance at life. Fortunately, Darla and Jeff Garrison emerged as their saving grace.

Known for their dedication to fostering children with delicate medical needs, the Garrisons had longed for a more permanent placement, particularly for girls who could become a lasting part of their family.

The family first took in Madeline, when she was four days old followed by Macey and Mackenzie, the conjoined twins at four weeks old.

The conjoined twins weighed 2.2 pounds each during birth and were born attached at the pelvis with entwined intestines. They had a leg each but had to share a third a non-functional limb.

In September 10, 2003, Macey and Mackenzie underwent a 24-hour multi-staged separation surgery at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles under Pediatric Surgeon James Stein.

Prior to this, their skin were prepped by stretching them out so it would easily be stitched and flapped over their wounds.

It was a delicate and complex procedure but it had to be done. Darla recalls that the girls would often comfort and soothe each other.