http://www.omaha.com/article/20110116/NEWS01/701169911/1039#omaha-s-lost-toddlers-14-years-laterBy Michael Kelly
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER
For the first time since they nearly froze to death at age 3, Omaha twins Jennifer and Kourtney Woracek took a stroll down the alley where they were found in the snow on Jan. 17, 1997.
Photo:
http://www.omaha.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=OW&Date=20110116&Category=NEWS01&ArtNo=701169911&Ref=AR&Profile=942&maxw=600&maxh=400Twins Jennifer, left, and Kourtney Woracek in the alley where they were found on a cold January morning in 1997 after wandering out of their house. The worst that the Omaha Westside High School seniors suffer from that day is lingering aftereffects of frostbite.
MATT MILLER/THE WORLD-HERALD
All grown up at 17 years old, they are now seniors at Omaha Westside High School. They had never been back to the alley near 13th and Center Streets since the night police officers — part of a frantic search after their parents discovered the girls were gone — came upon them.
Kourtney was lying on top of Jennifer in 9-below cold.
Their story riveted Omaha and made news around the country and beyond. At the hospital, Jennifer's heart stopped. Doctors feared the girls might lose limbs, or that their organs might fail. But they survived and now are healthy, happy and headed for college.
“It's crazy,” Kourtney said quietly on a bright Jan. 4 afternoon as they prepared (at the request of The World-Herald) to walk the alley with their parents and grandfather. “But it happened.”
Said Jennifer: “We know we're lucky to be alive.”
Neither remembers the event. Although they know what happened, it was rarely discussed as they grew up. Their mother recently opened a trunk containing news articles as well as hundreds of cards so the sisters could see how people reacted.
FULL story, more photos, & VIDEO at link.
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
