Milagros Cerron is currently the only "mermaid" in the world. She has a rare syndrome called sirenomelia; at birth her legs were fused together from trunk to heels. For months doctors worked to expand tissue in her legs and abdomen to prepare for her leg-separation surgery. The prognosis was good — Mili had all the bones and structures of normal legs, and she might walk one day. However, her internal organs could not grow properly because of her deformity. With Mili having only one functioning kidney and the threat of infection constantly looming, time was running out.

More about Milagros' story:

• The name comes from siren, the Latin word for mermaid. Mermaid legends originated in ancient Greece. With the tail of a fish and the body of a beautiful woman, mermaids lured unsuspecting sailors to their deaths.



• Children born with mermaid syndrome almost never survive.



• The syndrome is associated with other abnormalities of the genitourinary system and the hindgut (the anus and rectum).



• Milagros' surgery was complex and dangerous. It was performed before an audience of millions, on live TV.



• Doctors suspect that the baby’s malformation was the result of a strange genetic disorder. However, superstitions abound, including the fear that her condition was caused by an evil spirit that inhabits a local lake.



• Prior to the surgery, doctors inserted silicone tissue-expanders under Milagros' skin. The expanders were gradually filled with salt water, which over time caused her skin to balloon and grow. When Mili’s legs were separated during the operation, there was enough skin to wrap around each individual leg.