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Abby and Brittany Hensel are eleven-year-old
conjoined twins (the scientific
and politically correct term for
Siamese twins). They are intelligent,
energetic, fun-loving girls who
just happen to share one set of
legs and one set of arms - each
girl controlling one half of their
conjoined body.
In their own words, they are “just
two people…stuck together.”
How can two people live in such
close and constant proximity for
an entire lifetime? The very concept
challenges one of the most central
notions of the human experience
- individuality.
The challenges are both big and
small.
How do they communicate with each
other to move…run… ride
a bike… play sports…and
even piano? How does their condition
affect their health? What happens
to one if the other becomes ill?
How do they keep from sharing answers
on tests? Do they both like the
same food, music or even the same
boy? Do they ever yearn to be alone?
In short, how can two individuals
share one body?
The Hensel twins and their family
have agreed to share their lives
with us for the next year as we
tell the story of two of the most
fascinating and unique young ladies
ever born.
We'll wake up with them in the morning.
We'll see them attend school, play
basketball and volleyball for their
school team (they count as one player),
perform their piano recital, and accompany
them on visits to their doctors.
They will share their lives and
innermost thoughts as they keep
an on going “video diary.”
Along the way we’ll unravel
some of the mysteries of their complex
medical condition, as well as their
daily social challenges.
What happens when Abby and Brittany
leave the accepting world of their
friendly midwestern town? How do
they deal with the stares and insensitive
questions of strangers? How do their
doctors diagnosis and treat them?
How do they settle their own disagreements?
Abby and Brittany Hensel present
a rare opportunity - they help us
to see even the most mundane moments
in life as extraordinary. They remind
us that life’s challenges
can make us stronger and better.
Perhaps most of
all, they teach us by example that
individuality has little to do with
one’s physical condition…
it springs from the heart and soul.
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