The world mourns the loss of the oldest known conjoined twins, Lori and George Schappell, who both passed away at the age of 62 in their Pennsylvania hometown.
Born on September 18, 1961, in Reading, Pennsylvania, Lori and George shared a rare connection, being conjoined at the skull while having separate bodies. They were linked by 30% of their brains and essential blood vessels.
Their incredible life journey came to a close on April 7 at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, as noted in their obituary. The specific cause of their passing has not been revealed.
George, who lived with spina bifida, used a mobility device for assistance, while Lori facilitated their movements by pushing and guiding his rolling stool. Their form of conjoined twins is exceptionally rare, affecting only about 2% to 6% of cases of congenital twins, according to NBC Today.
In a landmark moment for their lives, George transitioned in 2007, making them the first same-sex conjoined twins to identify as different genders, as recognized by Guinness World Records. During their trip to London in 2011 to celebrate their 50th birthday, George shared insights about his journey with The Sun, stating: “I knew from a very young age that I was supposed to be a boy”.
Both Lori and George completed their education at the Hiram G. Andrews Center and later worked at Reading Hospital. Despite their physical connection, they each pursued their own passions and hobbies. George followed his love for music as a country singer, captivating audiences globally, while Lori thrived as an accomplished bowler.
Remarkably, the Schappells enjoyed an independent lifestyle since turning 24. Initially, they lived in a care facility, then transitioned to a two-bedroom apartment where they each had their own space. They highlighted the significance of privacy, emphasizing that even with their physical bond, they found ways to enjoy solitude when needed
“Would we ever separate? Absolutely not”, George stated in a 1997 documentary: “My theory is, why fix what isn’t broken?”
Lori echoed this sentiment in a 2002 interview with the Los Angeles Times, saying: “I don’t believe in separation”. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Lori and George during this challenging time.
Yesterday I was washing and cleaning the car, and then I found an earring under the seat
Yesterday, while I was cleaning the car, I found an earring under the seat. It shocked me so much that I felt sick to my stomach and even threw up right there.
I took the earring inside and confronted my husband with it, asking him angrily: “What is this!?” He responded calmly, saying: “You’re not foolish, you know what it is”.
I explained that I found it in our car, and he suddenly got defensive, claiming he must have dropped it while giving a colleague a ride. He swore it wasn’t what I suspected.
The next day, I went to his workplace and questioned his colleagues to find out who the earring belonged to. When I reached the blonde woman he often has coffee with (who insists she’s just a colleague), I asked if it was hers. She swore it wasn’t hers, reassured me that my husband loves me and would never cheat.
I’m confused and torn. I don’t know what to believe anymore. I’m considering taking the kids and going to my mom’s place.
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