A baby girl from the Ivory Coast, born with four legs and two spines, has finally returned home from the United States after undergoing a highly specialized surgery.

Dominique underwent a six-hour procedure involving five surgeons in Illinois back in March to remove the limbs of a parasitic twin attached to her back.

The 11-month-old’s grateful parents thanked the American doctors and charity that helped their daughter.

“I never thought that I’d see my daughter like this today… It really is a miracle,” her mother said in French.

“Thank you to the American people who helped my little Dominique and gave her the opportunity to live a normal life, just like other children.”

Dominique was born with a parasitic twin, an identical twin that did not fully separate during development.

In other words, it was not another independent twin, but one that depended entirely on Dominique’s body systems, with her heart and lungs providing the support, said Dr. John Ruge, a pediatric neurosurgeon at the hospital.

The lower half of her underdeveloped twin’s body extended from her neck and back.

Without treatment, Dominique would likely have lost mobility because of the extra weight on her spine.

Doctors also said the additional strain on her heart and lungs could have affected her long-term health, while the condition could also have created significant challenges as she grew up.

At Advocate Children’s Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois, five doctors performed the surgery, with costs covered through the hospital’s charity program.

While the procedure was highly complex and delicate, the six-hour operation was successful, and surgeons removed the extra legs, spine, and bladder.

Nancy Swabb, from Edgebrook, Illinois, cared for Dominique from the time she arrived in the U.S. for the procedure.

“She’s been a joy. We really enjoyed having her in our family,” she said back in March.

“We send lots of photos and updates, so Dominique’s family can see everything she’s doing—she has two new teeth, she’s learning to wave, and reaching so many wonderful milestones.”

The Swabbs hosted an early birthday party for the baby that was attended by more than 100 people, including many members of the hospital staff.

“The fact that the twins were connected at the spine makes Dominique’s condition exceptionally rare,” said Dr. Ruge.

“It also made the separation surgery extremely complex. But it was essential to give this beautiful little girl the opportunity to enjoy a long and healthy life.”

Nancy told The Daily Herald that every night before bed, she holds the small heart-shaped necklace Dominique wore and gently presses it to her cheek.

She also keeps photos of Dominique around the house, including her favorite image of Dominique’s tiny hand, with an IV taped to it, holding Nancy’s finger.

Nancy later received a Facebook message from Dominique’s father, who shared new photos and thanked her once again.

“He said, ‘Thank you endlessly, and may God continue to watch over you,’” she said.

Source:  Daily Mail