Conjoined twins who are joined at the head are an extremely rare medical phenomenon, occurring in only about 1 in 2.5 million births. Even more remarkably, such twins are usually not expected to survive beyond 24 hours after birth. However, miracles do exist, and sisters Tatiana and Krista Hogan are a powerful exception to that rule.
Born on January 25, 2006, in Vancouver, Canada, the twins entered the world amid both joy and heartbreak for their parents. Although doctors had known during the pregnancy that the babies would be born with severe abnormalities — and even advised termination, warning that survival, if possible at all, would likely mean a lifetime confined to bed — their mother Felicia and her husband chose to take the risk, driven by the simple wish to see their daughters’ faces, even if only once. Against all odds, Tatiana and Krista not only survived beyond a single day but went on to live for many years, astonishing doctors and people around the world.
Tatiana and Krista Hogan are believed to have a unique brain structure unlike any other in the world. Although each sister has her own separate brain, the two are connected by a thalamic bridge, which allows them to access each other’s thoughts.
Specifically, the twins share the same sense of taste and touch, and are even able to control each other’s arms and legs. Tatiana can see through both of her sister’s eyes, while Krista can see through only one of Tatiana’s eyes. Both sisters have stated that they are able to read each other’s thoughts without a single word being spoken.
Despite their extraordinary condition, the two sisters have very different personalities. Tatiana tends to be more dominant and likes to take charge, while Krista is quieter and more reserved. Their neurologist, Dr. Douglas Cochrane, said: “They absolutely amaze me, even after all the rare cases I have seen throughout my career. They are joined at the skull, yet they have completely different personalities. Despite their severe condition, the girls continue to fight to defy death.”
Their mother revealed that when they were younger, the twins often tried to pull their heads apart, causing pain and difficulties that few people could truly understand. At times, they would become frustrated with each other, even arguing or physically fighting. Still, both girls have been learning to cope together with the reality of being inseparably connected to their sister 24 hours a day.
Today, Tatiana and Krista are older, having passed the age of 14. It is known that they continue to live relatively normal lives and attend school like other children. They are only able to study for about two hours a day, and they learn and process information more slowly than their peers. Even so, this alone is enough to bring great joy to their teachers and parents.