Conjoined twins successfully separated

NEW YORK -- Twin boys from Illinois conjoined at the head were separated successfully and are out of surgery Friday morning.

Nicole McDonald, mother of Jadon and Anias McDonald posted an update on Facebook. She said the surgery lasted 16 hours and the boys were sedated for recovery.

She posted another update around 7:30 a.m., with a photo of Jadon after he was reunited with his parents. McDonald said Anias was still in surgery.

This is much welcome news for their family in the town of Braidwood, which is southwest of Chicago. They had been waiting anxiously for an update.

"I just never knew that there was that many caring and generous people," said John Taylor, the twins' great grandfather.

"Nicole is so inspirational. She's been my hero. She has inspired so many of us, through her faith, through her dedication," said Debbie Burroughs, a family friend.

Doctors said one of the twins could lose some cognitive function because of the separation.

The family has set up a GoFundMe page to help with expenses related to the surgery and future medical needs.