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.
Julia Roberts: Embracing her well-deserved vacation
No matter how much time passes by from the time the iconic movie that stole millions of hearts aired, stunning Julia Roberts would always be the Pretty Woman we all fall for.
At 56, the actress defies age, no matter what people think of her looks. For one, she’s all about natural aging and embraces her appearance.
The beloved Hollywood icon has been spotted enjoying a well-deserved vacation recently.
What many noticed is that Roberts gained a few pounds, but looking at her, we can’t help but agree that the saying “beauty comes in all shapes and sizes” is totally accurate.
The great thing about Roberts is that she’s not afraid to put on bikini despite those extra few pounds, and that’s one of the reasons we all love her so much.
Of course, people’s opinions over Robert’s recent photos differ. While some say she’s changed, others are convinced she looks stunning for her age, or any age to be honest.
Her fans always stay by her side and remind us that beauty doesn’t always come from the outside.
For the last 20 years, Roberts has been happily married to Daniel Moder. When they first met in 2000 on the set of The Mexican, Moder was married to then-wife Vera Steimberg. Rumors were that his first marriage broke down because of the Runaway Bride star although she claimed she wasn’t the reason why Moder and Steimberg divorced.
Before tying the knot with Moder, with whom she shared three children, twins Phinnaeus and Hazel and a son Henry, Roberts was romantically involved with actors Dylan McDermott, Matthew Perry, Jason Patric and Liam Neeson. She was briefly engaged to actor Kiefer Sutherland, but the two split mere days before they were supposed to say ‘I do.’
Roberts then married country singer Lyle Lovett and their marriage lasted for two years, from 1993 to 1995. At the time she met Moder, Roberts was said to have dated actor Benjamin Bratt.
Today, the couple are as in love as day one.
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