Maliyah And Kendra Herrin Discuss Inclusion, Impairments, And The Future 18 Years After Their Separation

 

Kendra and Maliyah Herrin, now 17-year-old high school seniors in Utah, have faced unique challenges since their highly publicized separation surgery at age 4. Born conjoined, they shared a pelvis, kidney, and liver, requiring a complex 26-hour surgery involving six surgeons and 25 staff to separate them. Despite this, the twins live as typical teenagers with a close-knit group of friends.

The sisters have grown up in the public eye, appearing on Oprah and in documentaries. Their experiences with inclusivity and curiosity have shaped their outlook. Kendra advises, “Don’t be afraid to talk to someone. Don’t stare… ask respectfully.” Maliyah adds that asking questions is better than avoiding the topic. Both prefer honesty and openness over silent judgment.

While some strangers have been cruel, the twins have largely been supported by their community and church. Their parents, Erin and Jake, taught them to simplify their story for young children: “Doctors had to rip us apart because we were stuck together.”

Reflecting on diversity, the girls advocate for treating everyone with respect. They continue to educate others about impairments while embracing their unique bond. “We’ve learned to navigate questions and challenges,” says Kendra, emphasizing resilience and the importance of understanding.

Related Posts

Heartbreaking Update: More Children Identified Among Texas Flood Victims

At least 59 people, including 21 children, have died after devastating flash floods hit Kerr County, Texas, during Fourth of July celebrations. “We’re now up to 59….

The deluge has taken the lives of at least 52 people, including 15 children. Read more:

A flash flood hit Camp Mystic in Kerr County, Texas, on July 4, killing at least five young girls and leaving 11 children missing. Officials call it…

GIANT CYST POP!

Acne, or acne vulgaris, is a long-term skin condition caused when dead skin cells and oil clog hair follicles. It often appears as blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and…

BE CAREFUL, if you get these bruises on your body, it means you have Ca…see more

Bruising happens when tiny blood vessels break under the skin, often from bumping into something. These red, blue, or purple marks usually fade to yellow as they…

51 Confirmed Dead, Dozens Missing in Catastrophic Texas Flooding

A summer retreat along the Guadalupe River turned tragic when sudden flash floods hit, killing at least 51 people across Texas. “Few saw \[the flood] coming,” as…

Horrifying timelapse footage shows just how quickly Texas flash flood happened as search continues for missing girls

A devastating flash flood in Kerr County, Texas, struck on July 4 as Americans celebrated Independence Day, leaving at least **51 people dead**, including **15 children**, and…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *