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Lupita and Carmen AndradeAmerican Siamese twins come from Mexico
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Biography: Lupita and Carmen Andrade
- Remarkable Survival
- Unique Connection
- Challenges and Medical Support
- Unfeasible Separation
- Individual Personalities and Interests
- Aspirations and Hobbies
- Immigration and Medical Journey
Biography: Lupita and Carmen Andrade
Lupita and Carmen Andrade, 16-year-old American conjoined twins, were born in Mexico. Despite their physical condition, the twins love playing the piano together, doing handstands, and dressing up. However, doctors warn that without separation, their lives may be short-lived.
Remarkable Survival
Most conjoined twins die shortly after birth, but Lupita and Carmen Andrade surprised everyone around them. The twins from New Milford, Connecticut, were not expected to live for more than three days, according to doctors. However, the girls have defied the odds and have learned to live harmoniously with each other.
Unique Connection
Lupita and Carmen are joined from the chest down to the pelvis, where their spines are fused together. Each twin has two arms and one leg. Carmen controls the left leg, while Lupita controls the right. As they grow older, however, they face increasing health problems. Their future is uncertain, as their shared ribcage, liver, circulatory system, and digestive and reproductive systems pose challenges. While their bladder and uterus function properly, it is unknown whether one or both of the girls control their activities.
Challenges and Medical Support
During their childhood, the Andrade twins spent a lot of time in physical therapy to learn how to sit and work together. They took their first steps at the age of four. Lupita suffers from scoliosis, a sideways curvature of the spine, which limits her lung capacity. Surgeons may need to remove a portion of her spine or she may require an oxygen tank in the future. However, due to the complexity of the operation, it could be life-threatening for Lupita or result in brain damage.
Unfeasible Separation
When Lupita and Carmen were younger, doctors considered separating them. However, it became clear that due to their shared vital organs and lower spine, it would be extremely unsafe to separate them. Despite this, the girls have a chance of living a long life. Carmen stated, "If someone asks us, for example, if we are twins, I or, more likely, Lupita will answer..." "No, we are just close relatives," concludes Lupita.
Individual Personalities and Interests
Each girl has her own distinct personality. Carmen excels in school and is known for her wit. Lupita is more reserved and struggles with reading, which requires her to take modified tests at school. Carmen enjoys experimenting with makeup, while Lupita prefers not to be bothered about it. They may appear similar at first, but their close friends quickly notice their differences.
Aspirations and Hobbies
In many aspects, Lupita and Carmen are not different from their peers. The Andrade twins engage in discussions about exams, college applications, driver's licenses, and piano playing. Learning to play the piano together was a challenging task. Carmen typically practices the left hand parts, while Lupita practices the right, and then they play together.
In school, the twins participate in an agricultural program, hoping to pursue careers as veterinarians or in the field of livestock farming. Both girls feel more comfortable in the company of animals for various reasons. They believe that animals understand their emotions without the need for words. Carmen adds, "In fact, communicating with animals is more beneficial than talking to a social worker or similar professionals." Lupita expresses that animals do not ask how one feels about something, which is a relief for her.
Immigration and Medical Journey
In Veracruz, Mexico, the birthplace of Lupita and Carmen, they could not receive adequate medical care. They immigrated to Connecticut on medical visas when they were two years old. Their mother, Norma, found out about the conjoined twins at 13 weeks of pregnancy. A month later, the doctor revealed that the two babies were connected to each other. The girls were born in June 2000, and according to doctors, they were not expected to live for more than three days.
Today, Lupita and Carmen continue to question whether they would ever consider separation, to which they both firmly respond, "No." Even if the operation posed no risks, they prefer to remain together. The twins would have to undergo years of physical therapy, and there would also be psychological challenges as they have become accustomed to being inseparable. Carmen states, "I don't think there will ever be a moment when we will want to separate." The potential surgery to improve Lupita's breathing also carries more risks than benefits, leading them to decide against it.
