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One life, two bodiesYou see through each other's eyes – Krista and Tatiana Hogan's lives as conjoined twins
Tatiana and Krista Hogan are conjoined twins (archive photo)
They share everything – even their perception.
Tatiana and Krista Hogan (18) are conjoined twins and are closer than you can imagine. What sounds like a medical miracle is, for them, everyday life – with ups, downs and a lot of joy in life.
Siamese twins Tatiana and Krista: A life together
“When one laughs, the other laughs too.” What sounds like a saying is reality for Tatiana and Krista Hogan. The two young women have been inextricably linked since birth – in the truest sense of the word.
The conjoined twins Tatiana and Krista were born with an extremely rare peculiarity: Their heads are fused together and their brains are partially connected. This means they not only share thoughts and feelings, but can even see through each other's eyes.
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Shortly after the birth everything looked bleak. Doctors predicted that the girls would not survive the first day. But they fought – and are now 18 years old. A small miracle for her family that is celebrated every year. Every birthday is like a lighthouse, says her mother Felicia in a CBC documentary. A sign that they have done it again.
Everyday life of the conjoined twins: school, cake and big dreams
Despite their extraordinary connection, the two lead surprisingly normal lives. They go to school, learn to read and write – together at the same table. They love sweets, watch series and discover the world step by step.
Even swimming is now part of her everyday life. As part of their therapy, they learn to move in the water – a challenge that they overcome together. Just like everything else.
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But as similar as their lives are, their personalities are just as different. Tatiana often takes the lead, while Krista seems quieter and more reserved. Two characters, one body – and yet very individual.
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Health and challenges of conjoined twins
However, your everyday life is not always easy. Siamese twins Tatiana and Krista struggle with health problems. Epilepsy and diabetes accompany her every day. Medications, tests and injections are an integral part of it.
Nevertheless, they never lose their joy of life. Doctors who look after them are always impressed by how well the two of them deal with their situation. A life that was once considered impossible is working – and in an impressive way.
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When conjoined twins argue: That's part of it too
As close as their connection is, conflicts are inevitable. “They have these moments where they get angry, then they can really fight,” her grandmother reports in the documentary. Then it gets loud and emotional – just like with other siblings.
She describes their connection as like a zipper. Two brains fused together in a special way. A breakup? Impossible. Your life only works together.
Tatiana and Krista will always go through life side by side. Head to head. But above all: hand in hand.
