There are some people who are just genuinely, authentically extraordinary. I think about my own life and perceived struggles, and I cannot comprehend what some others go through and how they do so with a positive attitude. There is so much to learn from people who live their lives to their fullest potential and in their own truth, despite whatever uncontrollable obstacles they may face.
That couldn’t be truer of conjoined twins George and Lori Schappell, who were some of the oldest conjoined twins in the world.
The pair was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, in 1961, conjoined at the head.
Though they lived in separate bodies, their skulls were fused and they shared vital blood vessels and tissues, but they had two fully functioning, separate brains.
According to LAD Bible, medical professionals didn’t believe they would last the year, but remarkably, both survived until they were 62 and had accomplished lives until they died in 2024. They even had the opportunity for medical advances to progress far enough that they could have been successfully separated but ultimately chose not to.
In 2002, Lori reportedly told the Los Angeles Times, “I don’t believe in separation. I think you’re messing with God’s work,” LAD Bible reported. George also added, “Would we be separated? Absolutely not. My theory is: why fix what is not broken?”
Despite their chipper outlook on life, George had a secret from Lori.
In 2011 George, who was born Dori, told The Sun that he officially came out as a trans man in 2007.
“I have known from a very young age that I should have been a boy,” he admitted to the outlet. “I loved playing with trains and hated girly outfits…I kept my desire to change sex hidden – even from Lori – for many years. It was so tough, but I was getting older and I simply didn’t want to live a lie. I knew I had to live my life the way I wanted.”
Although surprised, Lori told The Sun she couldn’t have been prouder of her brother. “It was a huge decision but we have overcome so much in our lives and together we are such a strong team. Nothing can break that,” she shared.
Even though George never officially had a sex-change operation, he did change the way he presented himself and introduced himself to others as a man until he died.
The two of them never let their physical condition hinder them from living as independently as possible.
They moved out of their familial home at 21 and got a two-bedroom apartment in Pennsylvania, where they alternated spending nights in their respective bedrooms.
“Most people don’t believe us but we do have very normal lives. We travel, tidy our flat and Lori has even had a boyfriend. Nothing stops us doing what we want,” George reportedly said.
The Sun reported that Lori not only held a job in a hospital laundry room but also went on to become a champion 10-pin bowler. George accomplished quite a bit as well and had a successful music career that took them around the world.
In 1997, George (who performed under the moniker “Reba” after his favorite country singer before identifying as trans) received an LA Music Award for Best Country Artist, according to American Songwriter.
Life wasn’t without its hardships for the pair. Lori was engaged to be married but her fiancé died in a car accident before they could wed.
Their story, however, is one full of perseverance and authenticity that would inspire anyone.
