Conjoined twins Chad and Alex Felipe

UPDATE:

Philippines Conjoined Twins Update

March 25, 2024

Much has happened with the Fellipe conjoined twins in the past few months. The following is an update.

In November of 2023, we had a call with Elders Perez and Abe of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Philippines area who had found some people in the Philippines who could help the twins. Elder Perez went to school with the head pediatric surgeon at the largest public hospital in the Philippines. The Doctor had focused on conjoined twins in her practice. She said that since her medical practice had started in the late 1990s, she and her staff had done 28 conjoined twins separations. She also said that their success rates were the same as in the United States.

We agreed to have a call with Dr Saguil. She explained the hospital’s capabilities and her staff’s capabilities. She agreed to have the Felipe’s come to Manila in mid-January 2024 for testing. She told them to plan between 4-6 weeks for testing. After a private discussion with the family, doctor, the Holbrooks, and LDS Church advisors from the Philippines, we accepted the proposal.

On the 13th of January Felipe went to Manila to start the process. Mabuhay Deseret Foundation accommodated Felipe's family to stay for almost two months. The Foundation helps them with Food, some of the baby supplies, and things Needed by the Family while They are on the Foundation.

The testing has nearly been completed with the following findings:

1. The separation surgery can be done at the Philippines General Hospital

2. The shared liver issues can be resolved.

3. The urinary system issues can be resolved.

4. There are about 30 medical doctors involved.

5. Based on all findings, the family is very excited about the potential outcomes.

At the end of this week, the potential surgery separation schedule will be presented to the family. It is expected to be in about 3 months. In the interim, the skin of the twins needs to be expanded (60 days) with another 30 days for recovery before surgery. The surgery is probably in May.

The public hospital is going to do the procedure and the other needed surgeries as a charity case. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints remains willing to be involved with financial support. This does not cover all the expenses such as:

1. Housing for the Felipes while they stay in Manila near the hospital ($500-600/month)

2. Increased public transportation cost while in Manila ($100/month)

3. Increased food costs ($100/month) in Minilla

4. Medical costs not covered by the hospital like pharmacy and supplies (unknown)

This is expected to be around $19,200+ for the 2 years in Manila.

Once they return to their rural home, the extra expenses once they return home:

1. A vehicle to transport the children ($8000; one-time cost)

2. Other transportation cost for gas ($100/month)

3. Medical costs not covered by the hospital like pharmacy and supplies (unknown)

4. Return trips to Manila for additional medical procedures (up to $1000/each).

This is expected to be $8000 for a one-time cost and $1200-2500/year.

The Felipe’s are looking for an apartment near the hospital which is furnished. They hope to move in by early March.

Donations can be sent through GO FUND ME.

We thank you for your support and appreciate your kindness. We will keep you updated on the progress of the twins.

Original Message:

As a group of friends, we are fundraising for the Felipe family.

“Seek and expect miracles in your life”

- Russell M. Nelson

To all who read this special message, if you can find it in your heart to help these small angels and their humble, faith filled parents, we would be so grateful. Both are returned missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. “You” can be a part of their miracle.

Frances, Julie Pearl, and conjoined twins Chadwick and Alexander Felipe from the Philippines are hopeful for an evaluation along with possible separation surgery in SLC, Utah.

Growing fast, the nine month old boys are thirty pounds. They are getting too hard for their mother, Julie Pearl to lift. Can you even imagine? The beautiful babies are each unique and are developing their own personalities. They love to play.

Many miracles have happened, mostly in the form of people being placed in their path to help. The family has obtained passports and are working with special friends/church missionary experts to understand the process and which documents are needed for medical visas.

Doctors have agreed to an evaluation and appointments have been set.

The next few weeks are critical. With the reality of travel, lodging, doctor visits and testing leading to the ultimate goal of separation. Let’s create momentum by giving generously, and sharing this story with everyone we know and come in contact with. This platform will create another forum for miracles to happen.

There are hundreds of family and friends praying for them throughout the world. Please add the Felipe family to your prayers, call them by name and watch as the windows of heaven are opened and blessings shower upon them.

Thank you so much,

Holbrook Family

Lundevall Family

Here is the Felipe twins story in the words of their mother Julie Pearl:

"We were very shocked we are pregnant. tested for 4 times to confirm. Prior to this, we tried many times to conceive but nothing."

Dec 1. I was 5 weeks pregnant here. Our first look at this tiny growing miracle. Best gift ever from God.

Then this was 8 weeks. Still didn't know that we are growing 2 babies in my belly.

Then came 4th month when my obstetrician learned that I was having twins. then she told us there was something wrong with them. She referred us to another obstetrician without telling us the real condition of our babies.

February 14 we learned that the baby twins are conjoined. I was broken, thinking about what will happen to them if they grow up. The hardship they will face with their situation in the future. I blame myself for how they develop in my womb. But never in our thought to abort them we love them very much we did everything to make sure they get what they needed to survive before the expected due date. We traveled 4 to 5hrs every doctor's check. Then when the doctor advised us that they needed to see me twice a month we decided to move to Davao City. Frances' boss offered one of their offices to use as our living space. It was 100 meters away from the hospital, very convenient for my condition.

Fast forward, we thought it was just a normal check-up but that was the last photo we had as pregnant. My Doctor decided to do the operation because I was already in labor.

There they are, our miracle twin. After that day they had to undergo surgery because they don't have bowel exits. They stayed in NICU for 27 days. I was not able to touch or hold them in my arms because of covid restrictions at that time. I could only see them through pictures from the attending nurse whenever I come there to deliver breastmilk but couldn't have a copy of them. It was a devastating time for me as a mother for 27 days I was not able to hold or touch them.

Their first day and night with us. Overwhelming happiness is what we're feeling.

Frances holding our twin for the first time. He was scared because they were too tiny.

At last, they have their first sunbathing at my sister's house

Julie and Francis Felipe are very private people, but understand that they need support from many willing people. This process will most likely bring publicity that can help raise awareness and money for medical expenses. The outpouring of love and the possibility of surgery gives them courage and faith in the hope of near-normal lives for the twins that they adore.

Thank you all for being part of the miracles.