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.
A Wealthy Businessman Had Lunch With This Homeless Woman Every Tuesday: One Day He Was Shocked To Learn What She Spent The Money People Gave Her On?
Greg Smith, the primary founder of Hybrid Athletes in Orlando, Florida, often encounters homeless individuals on the streets of his city asking for assistance. Despite his recognizable appearance as a wealthy businessman in his daily suit attire, one encounter with a homeless woman named Aimee Jo left a profound impact on him.
Aimee Jo didn’t ask for money but greeted Smith warmly with a simple wish for a good day and a blessing. This unexpected interaction led to regular Tuesday lunches between Smith and Aimee Jo, where they formed a friendship. However, the reason behind their lunches is particularly touching.
Smith shared on his Facebook page about Aimee Jo’s resilience and desire to learn to read despite her difficult circumstances. She spends her limited resources on library visits to study books, prioritizing learning over basic necessities like food. Smith was deeply moved by her determination and made it his mission to help her learn to read. Recognizing his own privilege and upbringing, Smith felt compelled to support Aimee Jo’s aspirations. They now spend Tuesdays together reading borrowed books from the library, with Smith teaching her to read.
Smith’s message on Facebook was not to elicit pity for Aimee Jo or to boast about his actions but to inspire others to lend a helping hand to those in need. He encourages people to recognize the Aimee Jos in their own lives and offer assistance, whether it’s a simple greeting or a supportive gesture.
His story serves as a reminder of the power of compassion and the impact individuals can make by stepping out of their comfort zones to help others in need. Smith’s actions exemplify the goodness and humanity still present in the world, providing hope for a brighter future.
Leave a Reply