Today’s #MoodBoosterMonday is a double boost! We’re celebrating identical twin sisters Jenessa and Genesis and their remarkable journey, which has led them to become the joyful, healthy 3-year-olds they are today. Diagnosed with a massive teratoma tumor on her neck in utero, Jenessa required complex surgery before she was even born. While not cancerous, the tumor was aggressive and would seriously impede her ability to breathe when she arrived if not removed prior. The condition also threatened mom Theodora’s health and the health of twin sister Genesis, since they shared a placenta. In 2018, with support and expertise from specialists across several divisions, Director of The Chicago Institute for Fetal Health (@chicagofetal) Dr. Aimen Shaaban was able to remove the tumor when Theodora was 29 weeks pregnant by performing what’s known as an EXIT (ex utero intrapartum treatment) procedure – meaning Jenessa was “partially” delivered when the surgery was done. Otolaryngologist Dr. Jonathan Ida had stabilized her airway so she could be fully delivered once the tumor was removed, followed by her sister. Despite spending months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) before eventually going home, the girls recovered well and have thrived since leaving the hospital years ago. In this time, they’ve been able to bond as sisters, finish their first year of preschool, and Jenessa had her tracheostomy tube (which helped her breathe) removed for good last fall! Read more about the girls’ story at the link in our profile or check out part one: “Baby Girl Joins Twin Sister at Home after Fetal Surgeon Removes Her Life-Threatening Tumor” on our blog. #all4your1 #fetalsurgery