Premature twins who were given a 1 percent chance of survival have defied the odds and are thriving, according to their doctors.

Jean-Pierre and Rolando were born on Nov. 9 after a pregnancy of just 23 weeks.

Doctors explained the dire circumstances to their parents, but after a six-month stay in Bridgeport Hospital's neonatal intensive care unit, they say the situation is much brighter.

Clarissa Contreras says she is grateful and happy that her sons defied the odds and are now enjoying robust health.

The parents worked closely with the Tiny Miracles Foundations, a nonprofit providing services to premature babies and their families in western Connecticut.

Contreras says that when the babies were born, both she and her husband were down with the flu and were not allowed to be with their children. So, Tiny Miracles volunteers did all the parental bonding for them.

Doctors say the new neonatal ICU at Bridgeport Hospital will give premature babies a better chance at living normal, healthy lives.