NEW YORK CITY, New York (December 17, 2003) -- Carl and Clarence Aguirre were discharged this afternoon from The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM) after doctors treating the boys for a persistent infection and low-grade fevers gave them a clean bill of health.

The boys and their mother, Arlene, returned by ambulance to the rehabilitation hospital in Valhalla, NY, where they are receiving nutrition and physical therapy to help them gain strength between each in a series of delicate separation surgeries at CHAM.

“The site where the tissue expander had been inserted is now clear of infection, and the boys’ fevers are gone,” said Robert Marion, MD, the twins’ pediatrician at CHAM. “Carl and Clarence are doing really well, and just to keep them safe from other potential infections they will continue taking antibiotics for the near term.”

 “Both of my boys have caught a little cold, so they are sleeping a lot,” said Arlene Aguirre. “They did wake up in time to open some early Christmas presents, which was very fun.” The boys have received a few holiday goodies from well-wishers across the country, and today opened packages containing two soft-cover books, a CD of children’s songs and some warm clothes. “This is our first winter, and we like to enjoy the snowflakes when they come, even if I just open the shades to let Carl and Clarence see what’s happening outside,” said Ms. Aguirre. “Now we have to dress so we stay warm.”

Members of the CHAM staff who are caring for the brothers also have brought in homemade cookies and small gifts for Arlene, Carl and Clarence.

“People have been very kind, and even though I can’t meet them all to say ‘thank you’ in person, I want them to know they have made us feel very comfortable and taken care of,” said Ms. Aguirre.

“It’s like we have a family around us here, even though we are so far from our own home.”

For information on how to help the Aguirre family, please refer to the “How to Help” section on this website. 

© 2009 Montefiore Medical Center