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.
The Heart-Wrenching Reason Why Mark Ruffalo Kept His Brain Tumor a Secret From His Wife
At times, our bodies seem to sense when something isn’t quite right. Actor Mark Ruffalo shared a fascinating story during his recent talk on a podcast. He got a bad dream that turned out to be unwanted reality.
Bad news came when they were expecting their first child.
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Back in 2001, while busy filming The Last Castle, doctors discovered a harmless brain tumor behind his left ear. What’s intriguing is that Ruffalo had a strange dream before this, almost like a warning. He felt compelled to see a doctor urgently after the dream, even though he didn’t have any obvious symptoms except for a minor ear problem.
«It wasn’t like any other dream I had had. It wasn’t even a voice, it was just pure knowledge: ’You have a brain tumor, and you have to deal with it immediately,’» Rufallo shared.
Ruffalo had to make a hard decision in order to protect his wife.
Ruffalo was hesitant to worry his wife, who was about to have their first child, so he kept the news to himself until after the birth. When he finally told her, she was understandably upset saying, «I always knew you were gonna die young!»
Ruffalo underwent surgery to remove the tumor, but it wasn’t without risks. There was a chance he could lose his hearing or have facial paralysis. Sadly, he did lose his hearing in left ear permanently.
«Take my hearing, let me keep the face, and just let me be the father of this kid,» The Incredible Hulk actor recalled thinking at the time.
Despite these challenges, Ruffalo didn’t let them hold him back. He continued his acting career and even received his fourth Academy Award nomination. Alongside his professional success, he treasures his role as a father to his three children: Keen, Bella Noche, and Odette.
Mark Ruffalo’s heartfelt tribute to his wife, Sunrise, reflects their enduring love story. Despite humble beginnings, Ruffalo’s rise to Hollywood stardom was accompanied by Sunrise’s unwavering support and companionship. She played a significant role in his life journey, standing by him through thick and thin, showcasing the strength of their bond and partnership.
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