“When I think of those days, It feels like a nightmare. Now that my girls are growing up healthy, I feel so happy,” said the mother of the first-ever conjoined twins in the country. It has been over two years since the twins returned home after successful surgery in Australia. Today, the girls are growing up healthily at their home in Phuentshogling.
Nima Jamyang Pelden and Dawa Sangay Pelden, the identical twins were born with the joined lower chest just above the pelvis and shared the liver. The conjoined twins left for surgery in Australia in October 2018. On 9th November 2018, four surgeons and a team of 18 people successfully separated the girls at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. The surgery and recovery expenses were funded by the Victorian government. The cost of the flights and accommodation was funded by the Children First Foundation, an Australian-based charity.
According to the mother, Bumchu Zangmo, the successful surgery has given a new life to her girls and she couldn’t ask anything more than this. She remains grateful to people here and abroad for all the prayers for her girls.
Bumchu Zangmo also says that the girls are quick to grasp new things.
“The girls are so interested to learn. They keep asking colours and all. They are keen to use pencils and write alphabets. As of now, they know how to write the alphabet “A” only.”
Nima and Dawa love to play outdoor. But, they have to go together, always.
“As a sister, it is so nice to see them grow healthily. After I return from school, I spend quality time with them. I do teach them too. I often take them outdoor. Today, they are happy to hang around the park with our mother,” said Phuntsho Choden, the sister of the twins.
While at the playfield, they are the centre of attraction. They share a good friendship with children from the neighbourhood.
“I feel so happy to spend time and play with Nima and Dawa. I often visit their home. They also come to my place. We play blocks at home. We also meet at the park here,” said Jangchup Yuden, a friend of the twins.
“When we play here at the park, Nima and Dawa often come here. We then join them. It is fun to be around them,” added Kuntshok Rigzin Dorji, also a friend.
The twins have four elder siblings in the family. Like any other children of their age, the girls also love watching videos on YouTube. The girls turn four this July.
Sonam Penjor, Phuentshogling
