CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Two former conjoined twins from Brownsville returned to Corpus Christi nearly ten years after undergoing a separation surgery at Driscoll Children’s Hospital.
The twins, Ximena and Scarlett Hernandez Ambriz, participated in a state cheerleading competition on Sunday.
In 2016, Silvia Hernandez Ambriz gave birth to triplets — Ximena, Scarlett, and Catalina. Ximena and Scarlett were born conjoined at the pelvis and underwent a complex separation procedure performed at Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Corpus Christi.
The surgery allowed the twins to live independently after doctors initially warned their family that they might never walk. Following years of therapy and rehabilitation, the twins learned to walk and have since taken part in athletic and school activities.
Their mother, Silvia Hernandez Ambriz, serves as their cheerleading coach. She said the performance routine reflected their family’s journey, ending with a pose symbolizing their beginning.
Michelle Horine, the twins’ godmother and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities South Texas, said she was among those who supported the family during the twins’ recovery. The family stayed at the Ronald McDonald House in Corpus Christi for over a year during and after the surgery.
Hernandez Ambriz said the experience at the Ronald McDonald House helped them through the recovery period. She added that the community support gave them strength during the medical challenges.
The twins’ return to Corpus Christi marked a decade since their separation surgery. Their participation in the cheerleading competition represented a milestone in their ongoing recovery and development.
Driscoll Children’s Hospital staff involved in their case have continued to follow their progress since the procedure. The hospital has performed several complex pediatric surgeries similar to the Hernandez Ambriz case in recent years.
The Hernandez Ambriz family said they plan to continue supporting awareness efforts for children with complex medical conditions.