Teamwork Times Two
From all corners of the hospital, people came together in a heroic, days-long effort to separate conjoined twins.

Late in the day, on the afternoon of Sept. 16, the team that separated 13-month-old conjoined twins Lea and Tabea Block reassembled to face the media in a crowded conference room packed with camera crews.

This was to have been an exuberant occasion, but the mood was grim. Only hours before, very early that morning, Tabea had died after separation. “I speak for the whole team in saying we are deeply saddened by Tabea’s passing,” said Ben Carson, who had led the team. “We have high hopes for Lea, who now has a good chance at leading a healthy, independent life.”