Irish-Born Conjoined Twins' Family Overwhelmed by Public Support
The twins' family says they are overwhelemed by the outpouring of support.
March 13, 2010— -- The parents of Irish born conjoined twins Angie and Azzedine Benhaffaf are overwhelmed at the level of support the general public has given them.
The parents of the "two little fighters" had declined an offer of $110,000 to pose in a British tabloid.
The conjoined twins Hassan and Hussein have received a far greater level of aid from the Irish public since they declined an exclusive to pose for money.
Angie spoke to the media before the Rebel Riders Motorcycle Club undertook their bike run in aid of the "two little fighters."
Angie said, "It is overwhelming. It is amazing. It shows that everyone in the country is behind the boys and that it is all very positive. It is so genuine. We are totally overwhelmed as a family."
All funds raised for the family will go towards a surgery to separate them in London, later this year.
Angie and Benhaffaf said they declined to accept a British tabloids offer of $110,000 for moral reasons. They also said that most of the fundraising began after they declined the tabloids offer.
"We were really shocked by the force of the bidding war that went on among the papers. We may be broke but we are morally rich," said Angie.
'Two Little Fighters'
The couple has offered the "two little fighters" story to all media for free of charge.
"When the boys look back on it they will be proud we did not accept money for their story," Angie said.
Their appearance on Irish television triggered a massive wave of support from the general public.
Angie is keeping a record of every message of support, gift, and fundraising event, so Hassan and Hussein can review them in later life.