An Atlanta couple is sharing the painful but beautiful story of their conjoined twins, who were fused at the heart and lived only one hour after delivery. Amelia Jane and Elhora Auri were born to their parents on February 29, each weighing 3.5 pounds and embracing one another. Matthew and Breanna Dell learned their babies were conjoined in November at 17 weeks of pregnancy. An ultrasound revealed two babies, but a single heartbeat. “Everything changed in that moment. I started to panic and cry,” said Breanna. Despite multiple appointments afterwards and consultations, the couple soon had to face the fact the babies could not be separated and there was no chance of survival.

The couple, however, refused to abort the babies. “Our thought process was always, ‘What can we do to save them and keep them,’” said Breanna. She added that their faith was the biggest factor in helping them to make their decision. “I don’t know how anybody could get through a situation like that without having faith.” The babies were delivered with family members present at the hospital, each getting to hold the babies and say their good-byes. The Dells’ 16-month-old son was also able to see the girls. “It was extremely hard. I was glad for the time that I was able to hold them. They were sweet. They’re very beautiful, beautiful little babies,” said Matthew. “They didn’t ever cry or open their eyes, but they had a heartbeat. They were beautiful. I told them they were beautiful,” agreed Breanna. “Their lives were so meaningful. In the small amount of time that we had with them, they really changed our lives.” She called the moment when the girls passed away “peaceful.” “They’re at peace. I’m at peace,” she said.

The couple has since been surrounded by support worldwide, with over 6,000 mourners tuning into a livestream for the girls’ memorial service. A GoFundMe was also started for the couple to help with medical expenses. The page has earned over $40,000 in donations. “Of course, we wish that they were here, but we’re really grateful that they’re not suffering and not in pain. The people that follow on the Facebook page have just been so kind … I really wish I could give them all a big hug. They’re very sweet, and I like to keep those people updated because they’ve been so meaningful in our lives,” Breanna said of the support they have received. Despite the heartache, the couple still plans to expand their family in the future.