Conjoined Twins Who Share A Heart Arrive Houston From Venezuela To Seek Medical Attention

A set of conjoined twins from Venezuela who share a single heart have flown to Texas in hopes that doctors there can save them before the overworked organ gives out and kills them both. Maria Los Angeles and Maria Garcia arrived to Houston last week from Caracas, where they hope to be evaluated at Texas Children's Hospital.  Their parents are banking on the generosity of strangers to help bankroll a separation as well as the costs of a lifesaving heart transplant for one of the girls who will soon turn 4-years-old. 'We have to get them separated now,' their mother, Ana Maria Ugarte de Parra, told KHOU. 'Doctors say we don't know how long that heart will last.  'The more time passes, the greater chance a heart pumping blood for two will fail.'

The Caracas family was drawn to Texas Children's in particular after a successful separation was performed there earlier this year and now hope to raise the money for such a costly operation with the help of GoFundMe. 'By the grace of God and with the help of many, we have managed to reach the United States where we struggle to hope for separation,' the page reads. 'We need everyone's help to achieve our goal.'

In addition to wanting the expertise of surgeons experienced in the delicate task, the family feared what might become of the girls had they remained in Venezuela. 'Most medical prognosis in Venezuela were negative and the worst thing was that they told us that the girls would not survive more than few months because one heart couldn't support two bodies,' their mother told Chron.com. 'But against all odds, my daughters are here, they're three and a half years old.'

As of Thursday afternoon, just under $5,000 had been donated. 'Our doctors told us this is our chance,' said Ana Maria. 'We have to fight for our daughters. This is their best shot.'

According to KHOU, the first consult alone the family is told costs about $50,000. But they have no choice but to try. 'We came in search of our miracle,' said their father Emilio Parra.

Source: Daily Mail