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The past year has been a hard one for the Dell family. Yet somehow through the grief of losing their newborn conjoined twins, Breana and Matthew Dell have managed to find the light in the darkness, according to Matthew’s father, Patrick Dell. 

One of the bright spots was the presentation of the Amelia and Elhora Dell Music Award on Monday. Patrick and Susan Dell had the idea to create a scholarship at Matthew’s alma mater in memory of their granddaughters.

In November of last year, Breana and Matthew, parents to 16-month-old Dallas, came home from an ultrasound with heartbreaking news about her pregnancy. 

“When they got back to the house after the ultrasound, they broke the news to us that there were two babies, but only one heartbeat,” Patrick said.

It was discovered that Breana was carrying conjoined twins sharing a heart. 

Breana and Matthew were told that it would be impossible to separate Amelia and Elhora. Worse, the probability of survival was very slim. After a harrowing pregnancy and countless appointments with specialists, the family had to come to terms with the little time they were given with the twins. 

Patrick said Breana bravely took to sharing her journey on social media, receiving support from a community of 4,600 followers. 

“Lots of folks have supported her emotionally and prayerfully and have continually sent her cards and stuff,” Patrick said. 

From fellow parents of conjoined twins to sympathetic supporters, she soon gained an online ministry of sorts. 

“We were built for community — whether individuals, marriages, family — you’re supposed to be plugged into community,” Patrick said. 

On Leap Day, Feb. 29, 2024, Breana delivered the twins in a scheduled C-section. The couple and their parents had about one hour of peace with their babies before they passed away. 

“So when we got to first see them, they were sleeping on Brianna’s chest, and so it was really peaceful,” Patrick recalled.

“And you know, every few minutes, the nurse would check on the girls and just check their vitals, and eventually their heart just stopped,” he continued. “They peacefully passed away. There was no struggle or anything. It was just a very sweet moment and so that was it.”

Patrick said the music program at Point University has helped his daughter, Rebekah Dell, find her path. During an event in which he attended with his son and daughter-in-law, he decided to sponsor a music scholarship in honor of the twins’ story. 

Maddie Williams, a senior Music major at Point University, was awarded the scholarship during an event on Monday. Williams said she has felt at home in Point’s music program and has enjoyed getting to be a part of a faith-based community during her education. 

“It’s honestly been amazing. [Point University staff] really make a point to make all of their students feel like family,” she said.

Dell said his goal with the Amelia and Elhora Music Award is to help grow the music program which has had a huge impact on Rebekah. But he said there was a little more to it than that. 

“We’re not going to be able to invest in their future here on Earth, but to honor them, we can invest in other young students who have a chance to be here and to make an impact and bless others with their musical abilities,” Patrick said. 

Williams said she was surprised when she found out that she had been chosen by Music Director Harry Andrew for the scholarship award. After she graduates, she dreams of teaching elementary school music.

“When I was really little, I had a hard time fitting in, and one of the only places that I ever felt like I could go to express myself and to just feel good was music class,” Williams said, adding, “I want to be able to give a kid that place of solace.”

Williams learned of the twins after receiving the scholarship. The story impacted her deeply, as a fellow music student of Rebekah, the aunt of Amelia and Elhora.

Of Breana, she said, “She’s just so brave. You know, I feel like it’s something no mother would ever want to have to face but she did it with such grace.”

“I’m so blessed to have been able to be a part of the girls’, Amelia and Elhora, story,” she added. “It’s just such a big gift.”

The scholarship award is not the only thing that the twins have inspired. Since February, Breana has turned back to her painting as a therapeutic release, Patrick said. She recently opened an Etsy shop called Petal and Paint and has begun selling her artwork.