Bittersweet farewell for twins Dawa and Nima

Nima and Dawa Pelden will fly back to their Himalayan home on Wednesday after spending their final day in Melbourne celebrating with their saviours. And their mum, Bhumchu Zangmo, has written a letter thanking Australians for their new life.

Nima and Dawa Pelden will fly back to their Himalayan home on Wednesday after spending their final day in Melbourne celebrating with their saviours.

Four months after historic separation surgery the formally conjoined Bhutanese sisters are in perfect health and are even taking their first steps as they continue a recovery that has amazed their doctors and carers.

The 20-month-old twins and their mother Bhumchu Zangmo on Tuesday morning attended a Government House reception to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Children First Foundation, the charity which brought them to Australia for their shot at separation.

NIMA AND DAWA LEAVE ROYAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

SURGEONS’ FINAL PLANS TO GIVE TWINS SEPARATE LIVES

TWINS ARRIVE AFTER LONG TRIP FROM HIMALAYAS

Mum Bhumchu Zangmo with Dawa and Nima on the lawn at Government House. Picture: Alex Coppel

On Wednesday afternoon Nima and Dawa will begin a 21-hour, 9200km journey home for an emotional reunion with the father Sonam, who has not seen them separated.

While their departure marks a stunning end to an 18-month effort by the charity and Royal Children’s Hospital surgeons to save the girls, CFF chief executive Elizabeth Lodge said it would also be difficult saying goodbye.

“The children are with us and then they go home to a life full of hopes and dreams,” she said.

“But there is a bit of sadness, a bit of bittersweet kicking in, because they are such a joy, as is their mum Bhumchu.

“They came as two little independent poppets way back in October and they have blossomed in their movement but, in many respects they haven’t changed.

Nima and Dawa at the Children First Miracle Smiles Retreat in Kilmore. Picture: Alex Coppel

“Nima is still the big sister and the boss. Dawa sort of tags along behind sometimes.

“Mum said from the beginning she always knew there were two little personalities just waiting to take flight.”

Surrounded by other children brought to Australia for their own lifesaving surgeries, as well as many of the specialists who have helped CFF transform 350 lives over the past two decades, RCH head of paediatric surgery Joe Crameri said he was stunned by how far Nima and Dawa had come.

“We were able to achieve a lot during the surgery, but I am astonished by what has been achieved by Children’s First with all the physio and all the support that has been provided,” Dr Crameri said.

“They have two normal girls who are happy, they are healthy, they are feeding fairly normally which they weren't doing at the beginning, and they are just so much more mobile than what I thought would be achievable during their stay here.”

TWINS’ MUM BHUMCHU WRITES LETTER OF GRATITUDE

To all the Australians near and far who sent me their love and support, you all gave me hope and put a smile on my face while going through some terrible times.

I just want to say, you guys are awesome.

I would especially like to thank the Children First Foundation for consenting to sponsor the surgery.

In particular, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Marina Te Maro, of the CFF, for not giving up on me and my kids.

Mum Bhumchu Zangmo with formerly conjoined twins Dawa, left, and Nima, right. Picture: Alex Coppel

I want to thank Deb (who runs the CFF retreat) in particular for being a motherly figure to me while at the retreat. Your surprise birthday celebration is something I will remember forever. I also want to thank Dr Joe Crameri and the Royal Children’s Hospital team for giving new life to my little ones.

My deepest gratitude to Judy, Grace, Karli, Tracey, Ester, Ellen, Suse, Jenny, Sarah, Kate, Michelle, Liz, Jose, and Simonetta (from CFF) for taking me as one of you. My life in Australia was homely because of the lovely treatment you all provided.

Thank you Alex and Grant (Herald Sun) for escorting me and also Sister Tshewang (Bhutanese nurse) for being the second mother. Thanks to Dr Phil Bergman, of RCH, for taking me around and letting me see Melbourne. And to the Bhutanese fraternity in Melbourne for never letting me feel homesick.

Previously conjoined twin Nima and her mum Bhumchu Zangmo. Picture: AAP/Stefan Postles

In particular, I would like to thank Ata Jigme and his wife for visiting me regularly and offering me help. I would also like to thank Ata Namgay and Chinky for visiting and helping me.

To Dr Karma Sherub (Bhutanese paediatrician), you are my God on earth. Everything has happened because of you.

I want to thank Parsuram Sharma also for coming forward and promising to render your support for now and future of my kids.

To the Victorian Government, thank you so much for giving me and my kids a new life. To each and every Bhutanese in Australia who contributed for the future of my kids, I will remain ever grateful.

Thank you one and all.

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