She told her parents she made a new friend at school. When they saw the picture, they called 911.

From the moment Rosie and Ruby Formosa were born, the twin sisters from Bexleyheath, Kent, faced an incredible challenge. Conjoined at the abdomen and sharing part of their intestine, their survival hinged on a complex and high-risk surgery. Doctors were uncertain whether the procedure to separate them could be done successfully and warned their parents that the chances of both girls surviving were slim.

Despite the overwhelming obstacles, the family held onto hope, praying for a miracle. That miracle came at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), where a skilled team of surgeons took on the delicate task of separating Rosie and Ruby. Defying all expectations, the surgery was a success, giving the twins a precious chance at life.

Their mother, Angela, vividly recalls the heart-wrenching moment when she first learned of their condition. “At 16 weeks pregnant, I was sent to King’s College Hospital, where they confirmed the girls were conjoined. It was devastating. We already knew they were monoamniotic, which was frightening enough, but hearing they were conjoined felt like the worst news imaginable. I was shattered when the doctors told us their chances of survival were so low.”

The uncertainty weighed heavily on Angela and her family throughout the pregnancy. “Even if they survived until birth, there was no guarantee they’d make it through surgery. The doctors couldn’t fully understand how the girls were connected, and that left us feeling completely powerless,” she explained.

Because of this uncertainty, the family held off on preparing to bring the girls home. “It wasn’t until after the surgery, when we saw them recovering, that my husband finally started setting up the nursery,” Angela shared.

Now, four years later, Rosie and Ruby have exceeded all expectations. Not only are they healthy, but they’ve also reached an exciting new milestone—starting school. Their mother proudly talked about how eager the twins were to meet their new teacher and join their older sister, Lilly, at school. While thrilled about this new chapter, their parents admitted the house would feel a bit quieter without them around during the day.

Rosie and Ruby’s story is a testament to hope, resilience, and the remarkable skill of the medical team that helped them. Seeing the girls thriving and full of life is truly heartwarming, and we wish them continued happiness and success as they grow.