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This is such a loss. Here's just one Coogan's story from the vault—In 1992, Carmen and Rosa were conjoined twins separated at 9 months old. The surgery was a groundbreaking one, 14 hours in the OR with a team of 52. (1 of 5) https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/21/nyregion/new-york-coronavirus.html
Their internal organs needed to be rerouted & divided, pelvis and hips entirely reconstructed. It was a big deal, and a huge success. Dr. Steven Stylianos & the team closed up a few hours before dawn. Exhausted yet elated where could they go to decompress and celebrate? (2 of 5)
Coogan’s —They opened up the bar just for the team, in the middle of the night. Everyone who took part in the operation went, even Max Gomez & @CBSNewYork camera crew. Dr. Stylianos remembers the joy of everyone singing together, arms thrown over each other’s shoulders. (3 of 5)
Two pictures from that day are still on display in Dr. Stylianos' office. Since then he's watched the twins grow up, they stay in touch. 20 years later, Rosa gave birth to her son Elijah; only the 4th conjoined twin in history to give birth after separation. (4 of 5)
Dr. Stylianos was present for Elijah’s birth too. No doubt, joy was shared widely at Coogan's that day. The celebrations are too many to count. You’ve been there for us through it all, the good and bad, the joy and grief, and for that we thank you. https://columbiasurgery.org/stories/formerly-conjoined-twins-make-medical-history-nyp-again
