Costa Rica’s Little Sweet Hearts to Return Home

Written by Claire

An unfortunate situation turned into a never ending list of miracles for the Rocha Arias family from Alajuelita, Costa Rica. The family’s 2-year-old daughters Aurelia and Fiorella, who were born conjoined at the chest and abdomen, made medical history when doctors at the Stanford University’s Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital in Califorina were able to successfully separate them on Nov. 12 after a 9 hour surgery.

Costa Rica News — Separated Twins ready for return to Costa Rica

Originally given a 50 percent chance of survival, the two twins, who once shared a liver and the right atria of their hearts, are now walking and playing on their own. Their treatment included ongoing physical therapy and a slue of other surgeries to correct complications from the separation. Their travel, hospital and housing expenses have all been paid for thanks to the kindness of others.

The U.S.-based Mending Kids Foundation paid for them to travel to the United States in the first place and has just recently offered to cover expenses for a visit to Disney Land for the twins and their mother. The Packard Children’s Hospital paid for all of their medical coverage, which is estimated at $2 million.

Thanks to continued press coverage in the states and Costa Rica, the two girls have become mini celebrities, which made for an exciting Christmas full of support from their community both at home and internationally. The parents continue to ask for support from the Costa Rican and Nicaraguan governments to help with medical expenses upon their return.

The Housing Minister, Fernando Zumbado, secured the construction of a second story to the family’s small, 2-bedroom house. The amplification, which has been contracted out to a private company, will allow for the family of 13 to be more comfortable when the twins and their mother return to Costa Rica.

Photo Courtesy of La Nacion

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