Once conjoined triplets, now 17 years old
Now the girls look towards an exciting future rather than dwelling on limitations they thought were impossible and instead pursue goals they thought impossible before;
As they prepare to head off to college and adulthood, Mackenzie Garrison, Macey Garrison and Madeline Garrison have become more appreciative than ever of their health and wellbeing. Their family that adopted them so many years ago are truly enjoying the fruits of their success! Although Mackenzie, Macey and Madeline Garrison may look similar to any teenage girls today; when born they were joined at their pelvis; making for a truly unique birth experience!
Mackenzie spoke candidly with People (The TV Show), explaining: “I don’t see myself as special.”
“I see myself as a 17-year-old high school student preparing to attend college and seeking employment that she enjoys; with dreams of marrying and starting a family. Macey shared one third limb at birth; both girls now use crutches but only have one leg.
They were also born with additional complications; due to substance abuse during gestation, neither mother was able to provide proper care for the triplets.
Macey and Mackenzie spent their first ten months as twins. Surgery was used to separate the girls. Dr. James Stein at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles performed it over 24 hours in 2003.
“Nearly every day I think about them in some capacity,” stated Dr. Stein.
“I remember watching them make their way around campus with crutches; to now witness them riding horses and leading as normal a lifestyle as possible is truly inspiring!” said one.
Darla Keller and Jeff Garrison provided stability through adoptive families for the girls following surgery, who soon after adopted triplets of their own to join Darla and Jeff’s biological sons as family.
Over time, additional challenges have arose. In order to compete on an equal playing field with their peers, learning disabilities had to be overcome in order to compete on equal terms; moreover, other medical complications like spinal infusions also arisened.
The future looks bright for these triplets who are taking full advantage of senior year and looking ahead to college life.
Mackenzie has an interest in plant anatomy and agriculture, yet is uncertain of her career goals in either field.
Macey loves working with children and is determined to become a kindergarten teacher. Madeline dreams of becoming a nurse practitioner to support those living with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s diseases.
“My motivation stems from both my upbringing and being around many individuals working in medicine.
They haven’t seen him in 10 years but remain close despite that; to them he remains “coolest person ever”.
Dr. Stein enjoyed following and staying connected with the girls through this program. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know each one personally.”
Receiving letters from children has also been immensely satisfying and has provided great memories to look back upon fondly. We regularly do this.
Triplets have long been an intriguing subject of popular fascination, yet remain seemingly ordinary teenagers themselves.
Macey expressed her disdain at being associated with “girls with missing legs, or those that become well known due to a story.”
“My goal is simply to be myself, meet new friends, share my story without making it too big of an issue, and not take anything personally.
