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.
Kate Middleton’s Health Update
Kate Middleton’s representatives have recently issued a statement regarding her health after concerns were raised about her whereabouts. The Duchess of Cambridge underwent abdominal surgery earlier this year and her team has clarified that they will only be providing significant updates about her condition.
Her absence from public engagements led to speculation about her well-being. However, Kensington Palace has reiterated their stance on the matter, stating that official updates will be limited.
In the meantime, her husband Prince William has resumed his royal duties after a brief absence attributed to personal reasons. He was recently spotted at the Western Marble Arch Synagogue, where he received a bouquet of flowers intended for his wife.
It’s important to note that Kate’s surgery was planned and unrelated to cancer. While the exact nature of her ailment remains undisclosed, her recovery is expected to take several weeks. As a result, she is not expected to resume her royal duties until after Easter.
The public is eagerly awaiting further information from official sources regarding Kate’s health and her eventual return to public engagements. Rest assured, any significant updates will be shared when available.
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