Born joined at the pelvis, Mackenzie and Macey Garrison began their extraordinary journey from the very first moment of life. At just ten months old, they were separated in a complex 24-hour surgery led by Dr. James Stein. Since then, they have faced every challenge with surprising fortitude. Shortly thereafter, their lives changed again when they, along with their triplet sister, Madeline, were adopted by Darla Keller, a physical therapist who lovingly welcomed them into her Iowa home, where she was also raising her three biological children.
Throughout their childhood and adolescence, the Garrison sisters experienced many common experiences for young people, such as going for drives with friends or working evenings, while also dealing with the unique aspects of their mobility. Both Mackenzie and Macey have only one leg, so they use crutches and prosthetics, but that doesn’t stop them from enjoying active lives, which include horseback riding. While they maintain a strong bond and share friendships, they are also exploring their individual identities and personal dreams, focusing on what they can do, not their limitations.
With their eyes set on the future, the three sisters have clear academic goals: Mackenzie is drawn to agriculture and plant anatomy, Macey dreams of being a preschool teacher, and Madeline wants to become a nurse practitioner, inspired by her surroundings and the healthcare professionals she knew as a child. Dr. Stein, who operated on them years ago, remains in contact with them and is moved by how they lead full and happy lives. Although their story is extraordinary, the sisters insist they simply want to be seen as normal teenagers, not defined solely by their past.
For Darla, their adoptive mother, seeing her daughters develop with joy and success is a source of relief and pride. She emphasizes how much they resemble their peers, their generosity—especially during the holiday season—and their admirable dedication, both in their studies and in the way they face their physical challenges. As graduation in 2021 approached, the family focused on securing college scholarships for the three girls, who always dreamed of continuing their education.
The story of these Garrison triplets is a true symbol of courage, the power of family love, and the importance of looking forward with hope. From their exceptional birth and surgical separation to their current goals as young adults, Mackenzie, Macey, and Madeline exemplify determination, living their lives unconstrained by the past, but driven by their abilities and dreams.
