(Burbank, CA – August 1, 2011) Imagine being born a twin, and not being able to see your sibling’s face –– even though your eyesight is perfect, and your twin lives in the same house. That was the case for two little girls who were born nearly a decade ago in Guatemala.

The sisters, who became known to the world as “the Two Marias,” were born craniopagus twins, conjoined at the head. In August 2003, with the help of Mending Kids International and a team of skilled surgeons at UCLA Medical Center, the girls were given a second chance at life. After a ground-breaking 23-hour surgery that would make medical history, the girls were separated and their individual journeys were set to begin.

Following their successful operation and months of recovery, the girls returned home to Guatemala to be with their parents. Within 4 months of their return, however, both girls fell deathly ill, and it became apparent that their fragile medical conditions were too challenging for their family and the physicians in Guatemala to handle. They were quickly returned to the United States to be treated, and it became imperative for the well being of the girls to live close to the necessary medical facilities in the United States. The twins’ biological parents continue to visit the U.S. a couple times a year to see the girls.

Today Maria Jesus, known as Josie, loves being with her friends, likes to...