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.
Queen Camilla Breaks Silence On Kate Middleton After Cancer Diagnosis
Kate Middleton’s health has been shrouded in mystery, with sparse updates from Kensington Palace since her stomach surgery in January. Recently, Prince William briefly mentioned her health during official duties. In a recent disclosure, Kate revealed her battle with cancer, though specific details remain private.
During Easter, the family spent three weeks at Anmer Hall in Sandringham, enjoying time together away from the public eye. However, Kate faced scrutiny when an altered Mother’s Day photo circulated, drawing attention.
Queen Camilla, known for navigating media challenges, expressed support for Kate amid the cancer news. She offered encouragement ahead of Kate’s announcement, anticipating the media attention.
In February, Prince William touched upon Kate’s health briefly, but the royal family maintained discretion regarding both Kate and King Charles.
Following a heartwarming encounter where two girls expressed their love for Kate, Queen Camilla assured them that Kate appreciated their kind wishes and support.
Despite the limited updates on Kate Middleton’s health, her recent cancer diagnosis has prompted support from Queen Camilla, who understands the complexities of media scrutiny. Prince William’s brief mention and the family’s Easter retreat at Anmer Hall reflect their solidarity during this challenging time.
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