World's oldest conjoined twins avoid life in institution

Conjoined twin brothers Ron Galyon, left and Don relax in their Dayton home. The brothers are currently the world's oldest living conjoined twins at 58-years-old.

DAYTON -- Donnie and Ronnie Galyon, the world's oldest living conjoined twins, will be able to move in with their brother instead of facing the possibility of life in an institution.

The Christian Youth Corps Inc., a Machias, New York-based charity, is organizing a project to add an accessible addition to Beavercreek home of the twin's brother, Jim, sometime in the early spring.

Peter J. Andrews, the founder and president of the group, said he has enlisted the help of local contractors, an architect who specializes in designing homes for the disabled and many individuals.

Jim Galyon said this will be "a new era" for his brothers, who he has vowed to keep in a home setting.

"I've told them I'll do whatever I can to keep them free and independent," Jim said. "This still keeps them free and independent."

Donnie and Ronnie, 58, live in a small Dayton house, and are in declining health with the toll of arthritis wearing on them. "Let's put them with a loving family and enable and empower the family to take care of their own," Andrews said.

Christian Youth Corps. Inc. will supervise and fund a project that will create door widths able to accommodate the two. Also, a system will be constructed to hoist the brothers into and out of bed, the shower and other locations.

The Galyon brothers also will get a new wheelchair and a new bed.

(Edit:Ruby)