Conjoined twins, Preslee Faith and Kylee Hope Wells

University of Oklahoma Medical Center

Stevie Stewart, watched over her conjoined twins, Preslee Faith and Kylee Hope Wells, who were born in October.

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First Native American conjoined twins

By Brian Daffron, Today Correspondent

Story Published: Jan 2, 2009

Story Updated: Jan 2, 2009

EL RENO, Okla.—It was an overwhelming summer day on July 15 when Stevie Stewart, 20, found out not only that she would be having twin girls, but that the twins she had been carrying for 20 weeks would be born conjoined.

“That was a pretty crazy day, because we were just going in to have the ultrasound to find out if we were having a boy or a girl,” said Stewart about the day when she and Kyle Wells, the twins’ father, received the news. “We never knew there was twins. It was pretty crazy to find out we were having twins and find out they were conjoined twins.”

Stewart and her extended family, the Longbrake family, are originally of Eagle Butte, S.D., and are members of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe who have resided in Oklahoma several years. On the day the family found out, prayers went out immediately for these girls to come into the world strong and healthy.

Marla Longbrake, Stewart’s mother and grandmother to the twins, said that on the day the family found out that Preslee Faith Wells and Kylee Hope Wells were coming into the world, Stewart’s 17-year-old brother, Hunter Stewart, was working with the Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes’ youth summer work program. As part of the program, the youth worked to prepare the grounds for the annual Cheyenne Sun Dance in Concho, Okla. Longbrake said that her son was so moved by the need for prayer that he asked for and received permission to build a sweat lodge on the site of the ceremonial grounds so that he and his friends could hold an all-night sweat on that first day of the Sun Dance. 
“We never knew there was twins. It was pretty crazy to find out we were having twins and find out they were conjoined twins.”
– Stevie Stewart,
twins’ mother


After that day, Longbrake said that many sun dancers at both Concho, Okla. and at the Arapaho Sun Dance in Hammond, Okla. prayed for the Wells twins, beginning many more good thoughts and prayers for these girls.

“Everybody I’ve talked to, it’s ‘we’re praying for them. We’re thinking of them. How are they doing?’” said Mary Du Pris, Longbrake’s sister and extended family grandmother to the twins. “They’re real caring, considerate and kind.”

On Oct. 25, 14 weeks after the first ultrasound, the twins were born by Caesarean section four days before their scheduled due date at the University of Oklahoma Medical Center in Oklahoma City. Conjoined at the chest and abdomen, initial stories in the newspaper The Oklahoman reported that the Wells twins were joined at the hearts, livers and rib cages, but that staff doctors said a separation would not be difficult. At press time, the twins were at 14 lbs. together, could feed orally and were expected to be home by Christmas. Stewart said that the separation surgery for her daughters would be scheduled for when they were eight to nine months old.

The Longbrake family said that support has been strong from their extended family members in South Dakota and from other parts of the country.

“They’re the first great-grandchildren and my first grandchildren,” said Longbrake. “We have a sister in Albuquerque that came over for Thanksgiving and spent time with them. There’s been phone calls back and forth. Most of the family’s in South Dakota, extended family. There’s a lot of friends here who are just like family.”

Community support for the twins has also been strong in Oklahoma as well. Stewart, an employee of the Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes, resides in Calumet, Okla. These communities, local churches, and the staff of the OU Medical Center have served as a center of support for Stewart and the twins. Donations have ranged from offers to make clothes, gift baskets, and a special mattress donated by a doctor from another hospital.

“They’ve been really helpful,” Stewart said of the Cheyenne-Arapaho community. “They’ve been collecting money and little donations. Everybody’s been really supportive, because everybody knew about it before they were born. They’ve been really supportive, here and in Calumet. They’re everybody’s girls. That’s what they always ask – ‘How are our girls doing?’”

Longbrake, who works for the BIA office in Concho, said that the twins have been on prayer lists throughout the Southern Plains, and that her employer understood the need to help her daughter.

“My boss was real good about my use of leave, because I went with Stevie to every doctor’s appointment after we found out,” Longbrake said. “At one point, it was three days a week we were going to the doctor. Everybody’s just been so nice and considerate. It’s a good thing to see the kindness of people.”

The family said that personalities are already evident with the twins, and that they’re not fussy, but happy overall.

“Preslee is really feisty,” said Stewart. “She likes to pick on her sister. Kylee will take a beating before she swings back.”

The family has saved many newspaper clippings and printouts of Internet articles on the twins. “They probably won’t believe they used to hug each other,” Longbrake said about what they will share with the girls when they get older. “When they’re fighting with each other, we’ll have proof that they did like each other.”

According to research and inquiries conducted by the twins’ great-grandfather, Jayme Longbrake, the Wells twins are the first American Indian conjoined twins on record. Longbrake, a retired 30-year employee with the IHS, transferred to Oklahoma in 1993 and eventually worked eight years with the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe to work with their tribal hospital and nursing home. He and his wife, Beverly, returned to Oklahoma one year ago.

“As far as we know, they are the first Native American conjoined twins, which makes it a very unique situation,” said Longbrake. “As far as anyone can find, there’s no other evidence or history of this ever happening amongst the Native American people.”

The twins are also the first conjoined twins that have been born in Oklahoma in 22 years.

The family said they are grateful for the care from OU Medical Center, and that donations could be left with the hospital’s public relations department. A donation fund has been set up at Midfirst Bank, and donations can also be mailed to Stevie Stewart at P.O. Box 220, Calumet, OK 73014.

The Longbrake family is also thankful for the prayers that have been given, and they’re asking for continued prayer and support.

“They’re special little girls,” said Du Pris. “They always will be. When you walk into their hospital room when they’re in there, they just make everything disappear – all your problems. They’re beautiful little girls.”

Saturday, Apr 4 at 3:20 PM Nicole Goodface wrote ...

Stevie, you are blessed and you have blessed our people with your beautiful, lovely daughters. If you have a way my family could send a gift to your sweet girls we would love to. Teach them the ways and language of our people. I hope to see them dancing in pow wows someday. Mitakuye Oyasin, Nicole and family (Sicangu Lakota/Navajo) tasunkagleska@yahoo.com

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Friday, Jan 23 at 5:41 AM mfnative wrote ...

Im a mother of twins and I raised them as a single parent. It's nobody's business about your lives. Enjoy your girl eaglets, they grow up fast and they will grow up to be strong American Indian women because they will have each other and the most important thing, they are American Indian. Love from Denver, CO.

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Thursday, Jan 22 at 11:37 AM Sarah McGeshick wrote ...

You and babies are in our thoughts and prayers..... Much Love from The Sokaogan Chippewa Tribe of Mole Lake, Wisconsin

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Wednesday, Jan 21 at 6:32 PM Anonymous wrote ...

This is the first I heard about the twins. The girls sound beautiful, I wish I could see them. All of you bashing this young couple need to quit; education, etc., doesn't matter. The babies were intended to be here, it was God's choice and he gave them to this young couple. He chose a mother he knew would love them forever. He chose her of all us Native Americans women because the mother is special. Don't listen to negative comments, look to our Lord and he will be with you. God bless you

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Tuesday, Jan 20 at 7:28 PM Monica wrote ...

Speaking as a twin, please allow your twins to grow up and stay together as much as they want. If their lifepaths go separate ways, they will find it on their own. It is not natural nor is it nurturing to pry them apart "for their own sake" as so-called experts say to do.

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Monday, Jan 19 at 6:47 PM North Canadian wrote ...

Fox Lake Fisrt nations sends prayers for your daughters and familly.

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Monday, Jan 19 at 3:25 PM Kaye wrote ...

Have kept your babies in my prayers today. Don't let ignorant people get to you. You come from a strong and proud people and no amount of ignorance can ever take that from you or your family.

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Wednesday, Jan 14 at 11:02 AM Mom of Twins wrote ...

Congratulations on the birth of your girls. As a mother of twins, I know the joy you are experiencing every day. My prayers are with you. Enjoy the ride it only gets better with every smile, every laugh, ever tear and every headache. I wouldn't change a thing!

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Monday, Jan 12 at 5:31 PM Roxanne Starr wrote ...

Just wanted to wish you the very best on january 19 and to believe everything will work out for the best and may the lord bless you and take care of you and the girls.Be strong and believe

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Thursday, Jan 8 at 1:23 PM Stevie Stewart wrote ...

Just giving everyone a quick update on Kylee & Preslee. The girls had a heart cath. done yesterday to make sure nothing was shared between their hearts. Everything went wonderful, no complications. They share nothing!! Surgery is set for January 19, so please keep the girls in your prayers. Our prayers so far have been answered so thank you everyone for the continued support and prayers.

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Thursday, Jan 8 at 1:08 PM Anonymous wrote ...

To Partential Responsiblity first of all the so called babies daddy will always be in the girls live, i can promise you that! Why would you care,did your baby's daddy leave you? wow what a surprise. By the way they are going to get married this summer, not that its any of your busines They have never ask for money it was the media that asked if someone wanted to give where could they do it at. The babies daddy did not want any help he said that this right here would happen i guess he was right.

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Wednesday, Jan 7 at 4:45 PM stevie stewart wrote ...

this is a loving story about these twins that is great that they arehaving thid time of there life how great well are they gonna have to be slit up or noo

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Wednesday, Jan 7 at 3:15 PM Partential Responsiblity wrote ...

Wow! All this anger and fuss over simple words – an opinion! While you and your baby daddy have been together for 3 years now and are "financially secure" why then are you asking for money? Handle your business! Let's talk in 2-3 years, and see if you and baby daddy are still a couple. NOT! He will be gone and you will be stuck with as a single parent – another statistic! Don't get MAD at me for your unfortunate circumstance. All the BEST goes out to the babies! Just be MORE responsible

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Monday, Jan 5 at 10:10 PM Rose wrote ...

May the great spirit be with you and bless you with the strength of loving and caring for your two beautiful gifts! I know how special these little gifts are and should always be treasured! I will pray for you to be strong and loving! God Bless!

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Monday, Jan 5 at 10:29 AM Wehnona Stabler wrote ...

My thoughts and prayers go with the twins and their family each day.

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Saturday, Jan 3 at 9:48 AM Mary Z. wrote ...

Stevie and Hunter have always impressed me with their maturity and values in the short time I've known them. Marla's done a great job raising the twins' mom and uncle. These values and love no doubt are passing to Preslee and Kylee. There are so many of us who love and support this family, that any bad energy and negative comments just roll off. Maybe some of our good thoughts, energy and prayers will rub off on you, Parental Responsibility. You sound like you could use them.

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Saturday, Jan 3 at 6:33 AM jolene wrote ...

Congratulations on the twins, hold your head up and don't let the negative people bring you down. Let them talk because only you know you will be a wonderful mom. Us native women are the strongest and can handle any situation tunk'sila gives us. Maybe they don't have what you got, and have nothing else to do but bring others down. Have fun with your babies and good luck to you.

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Friday, Jan 2 at 4:01 PM Janet-friend of grandmother wrote ...

Stevie is a very intelligent young woman. She was not looking for a handout by having this interview. Furthermore, should she have a need for anything, her family as well as a large support group of friends and acquaintances will be here for her and her girls. So rest assured, YOU (parental responsibility)certainly will be the last person to whom one would look to for assistance for this beautiful little family. "Opting to convince children?" You could use a little education as well!

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Friday, Jan 2 at 1:19 PM Stevie Stewart Part 3 wrote ...

entire race. I am an educated person. Just because I didnt go to college doesn't mean that I cant be a great mother. Education has nothing to do with parenting. My age has nothing to do with it either. I may be 20 but that sure as heck wont stop me from being the best mother to these BEAUTIFUL AND PERFECT girls. But again, thank you to everyone for the thoughts and prayers and wonderful things being said on here.

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Friday, Jan 2 at 1:17 PM Stevie Stewart Part 2 wrote ...

Kylee and Preslee are PERFECT just the way they are. They are the reason Kyle and I get up every morning. And by the way... I didn't "jump on the get knocked up track". Kyle and I have been together for 3 years now. We are very responsible for our age. We own our house, vehicles and we WORK HARD for what we have. I dont know very many 20 year olds that can say the same. We are not in poverty nor will we ever be. And as for your comment about "uneducated Native Americans", you are offending an...

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Friday, Jan 2 at 1:14 PM Stevie Stewart wrote ...

First I would like to thank everyone who has posted POSSITVE stuff about my babies and my family, and I would like to thank everyone for keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers. The girls are doing wonderful and improving everyday! I will try my hardest to keep yall updated on their status. Second, everyone is entitled to their opinions, even uneducated ones. Conjoined twins could NOT be detected by "genetic counseling". And even if could have been, I would NOT have changed things.

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Friday, Jan 2 at 11:58 AM Tiffanie wrote ...

Further more Stevie's social statis and income is none of your concern. If you don't like paying taxes to help your fellow Americans out in their time of need then MOVE!!!!!! I can promise you that the girls are going to be happy healthy productive adults one day so you can take your "perpetual cycle" and SHOVE IT!!!!!

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Friday, Jan 2 at 2:26 AM Mother of Conjoined Twins wrote ...

This is to "Parental Responsibility". You are the one who needs to secure an education regarding conception of conjoined twins. Genetic counseling would not reveal a risk for conjoined twins, as it is a random occurrence. This family needs and deserves all of the love and support that we can give them. Please keep your ignorant comments to yourself and allow the rest of us to give encouragement where it is needed. We wish this family the very best and pray for these beautiful babies.

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Wednesday, Dec 31 at 10:57 PM ca in ma wrote ...

many blessings on the wings of the eaglets who fly here...

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Wednesday, Dec 31 at 4:23 PM Betsy S wrote ...

Genetic counseling is not routinely offered to healthy young women, and even if it were, there's no such thing as genetic testing that can detect conjoined twins, so there's no point in trying to cast blame for this. Conjoined twinning is very rare but does not have any known risk factors - it just very rarely *happens*

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Wednesday, Dec 31 at 2:42 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Great Story, Hope all is well with the girls and would be nice to see them. Prayers to all the family and the twin girls.

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Wednesday, Dec 31 at 11:32 AM Parental Responsiblity wrote ...

Let this be an example for “YOUNG” adults NOT to rush into parenthood so quickly. Had the 20 year old Miss Steward had opted to secure an education and a subsequent profession that offered decent health insurance perhaps she could have received genetic counseling before opting to convince children. I realize the may sound HARSH but I am “SICK & TIRED” of young girls jumping on the “get knocked up track” which fuels the perpetual cycle of poverty and under educated Native Americans.

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Wednesday, Dec 31 at 11:00 AM Jennie Hall wrote ...

I send prayers from the UK for these special little girls.

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Tuesday, Dec 30 at 6:40 PM Anonymous wrote ...

ICT should continue this story with updates, history in the making. As we are all family,regardless of Nations, we all pray together to the Creator for the health and wellness of the girls and their families. Keep us in touch, May the Creator hold them in the Palm of His Hand until they can stand on their own (Hand over Heart) May the Journey be Blessed, Betty Perez, Tohono Oodham, Arizona

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Tuesday, Dec 30 at 2:15 PM MARGARET FELICIA wrote ...

HI GRANDMOTHER MARLA. I READ THE STORY IF BEAUTIFUL, MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, ESPECIALLY THE GIRLS. HAPPY HOLIDAYS

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Tuesday, Dec 30 at 11:16 AM NACNA SECRETARY, LOT SMITH II wrote ...

OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR NEWLY BORN TWINS. MAY THE GREAT SPIRIT ALWAYS ABIDE WITH YOU, YOUR CHILDREN, YOUR FAMILY AND ALL THAT YOU DO FOR HIS CHILDREN ON THIS, OUR MOTHER EARTH.

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Tuesday, Dec 30 at 11:14 AM Sharon J. Columbus wrote ...

This is the first time I have heard about the lil' girls! I 'm so happy they are doing all right! Please send me the english version of their Indian Names and I will translate to my native tongue of Ojibwe and pray for their families and continued good health. What a beautiful addition to our Indian Country!!!

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Monday, Dec 29 at 1:08 PM Stevie Stewart wrote ...

I love this story. It's so much different then the other newspapers. Brian did a great job and he was such a kind person during the interview. I have to make one correction though. The address is PO Box 220 Calumet, OK 73014. Thanks.

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Monday, Dec 29 at 1:00 PM staci wrote ...

This story is very moving! I hope all is well with the girls!

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