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.
How to Grow a Hydrangea Tree: All You Need To Know
Here are some crucial pointers to be aware of if you want to plant hydrangeas. Furthermore, it’s not as hard as it seems!
The Best Tree Hydrangea Varieties
There are several varieties of tree hydrangeas available. Here are a few well-known ones:
Pruning Advice
The secret to keeping a healthy hydrangea tree is proper pruning. Use these trimming pointers to get the best results:
Growing Hydrangea Trees
Cuttings are a useful tool for propagating more tree hydrangeas. Here’s how to do it:
How to Plant a Seed Hydrangea Tree
While it is feasible, growing hydrangeas from seeds can be difficult. Most gardeners favor using cuttings for propagation. But here’s what you have to do if you want to give it a shot:
Repotted and Potted Hydrangeas in Tree Form
Every two years, your container-grown hydrangea might need to be replanted. What you should know is as follows:
Advice on Temperature, Water, Light, and Soil
The rewarding process of raising hydrangea trees enhances the beauty and grace of any garden. You’ll be well on your way to cultivating a gorgeous tree that will provide you joy for many years if you heed these instructions!
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