World Report: January 24, 2003 Vol.8 No.14

"Miracle" Twins Return Home

Born 17 months ago in Guatemala, twins Maria Teresa Quiej Alvarez and Maria de Jesus didn't face much of a future. They were joined at the head. Then in August, surgeons in California separated them in a risky operation. Last week, the girls were finally well enough to go home. Doctors say their future looks bright.

A crowd that included Guatemala's First Lady, Evelyn de Portillo, greeted the "Little Marias." Said one well-wisher: "These little girls make all of Guatemala smile."