Ten women you won’t believe exist! Do you have a friend with something special about them? Well, after reading this astonishing list of one-of-a-kind women, you might rethink what “special” means!
1. Nadya Suleman
Nadya Suleman, also known as Octomom, became famous for giving birth to octuplets—yes, eight babies in one go! Raised as an only child, Nadya always dreamed of having a big family. However, her husband was infertile, so Nadya turned to IVF (in vitro fertilization). After her husband disagreed with this and they divorced, she went on to use IVF multiple times, eventually having six children.
But Nadya didn’t want her remaining embryos destroyed, so she decided to get implanted with 12 embryos at once, resulting in the birth of octuplets! Her doctor lost his medical license due to the dangers involved. In 2013, Nadya reflected on her choices, admitting it was impulsive and irresponsible to have 14 children.
2. Gerkary Bracho
Do you remember the KISS singer, Gene Simmons, and his famous long tongue? Well, Gerkary Bracho from Florida might just beat him with her 4.5-inch-long tongue! She’s hoping to enter the Guinness World Records for having the longest tongue in the world. Currently, the record is held by Nick Stoeberl at 3.9 inches, but Gerkary’s beats that! She even has a YouTube channel where she performs tricks with her tongue, gathering thousands of views. Can you lick your eyes?
3. Kane Tanaka
Born on January 2, 1903, in Fukuoka, Japan, Kane Tanaka is currently the oldest person on Earth, living an incredible 116 years! What’s even more amazing is that she survived colon cancer at 103 and had cataract surgery later on. Despite her challenges, including raising four children and adopting a fifth, Kane maintains her strength. Her secret? A diet rich in rice, soup, fish, and lots of water—oh, and never without her sweets!
4. Alexandra Allen
Alexandra Allen suffers from a rare condition called aquagenic urticaria—she’s allergic to water. When she was young, she jumped into a swimming pool only to emerge with her skin inflamed and painful. Later, during a trip to Flaming Gorge Dam in Utah, she experienced severe joint pain, shortness of breath, and internal bleeding after swimming. Doctors were puzzled until she found out about her water allergy online. Her condition has worsened to the point that even sweating causes her pain.
5. Abigail & Brittany Hensel
We all had teachers we couldn’t forget, but have you ever had a teacher with two heads? Abigail and Brittany Hensel are conjoined twins who share a body but have separate heads. They control one arm and leg each and have had to learn to cooperate to carry out daily tasks, including passing their driving test! Born with a non-functional third arm that was removed, they’ve since mastered living in harmony. Their teamwork even extends to driving!
6. Bojana Danilovic
At first glance, Bojana Danilovic looks like a regular woman, but there’s one unique thing about her—she sees everything upside down. This rare condition, called spatial orientation phenomenon, is due to a brain condition. Bojana’s life has had its challenges, but she adapts by setting up her workspace and computer to display upside-down images. Unfortunately, this condition means she cannot drive. But despite the hurdles, Bojana has found ways to navigate life.
7. Thomas Beatie
Although Thomas Beatie is legally a man, his story is extraordinary. Born as a woman named Tracy, Thomas transitioned and had gender reassignment surgery. While he removed his breasts, he retained his reproductive organs. Thomas made headlines by becoming pregnant as his partner Nancy was infertile. Despite losing his first triplet pregnancy, he went on to give birth to three children. Thomas is now an LGBT activist and continues to inspire others.
8. Jessica Cox
Jessica Cox was born without arms due to a birth defect, but that hasn’t stopped her from achieving remarkable things. Using her feet, Jessica learned to drive, type, and even put on her contact lenses. She holds a black belt in Taekwondo and is a certified scuba diver. In 2008, Jessica made history by becoming the first person without arms to earn a pilot’s license. She now inspires others as a motivational speaker and author.
9. Melanie Gaydos
Melanie Gaydos is a supermodel who challenges traditional beauty standards. Born with ectodermal dysplasia, a genetic disorder that affects hair, teeth, and skin development, Melanie grew up facing bullying and isolation. However, she channelled her experiences into art, becoming a successful model who has graced the covers of high-fashion magazines. Her unique look has made her a sought-after figure, even appearing in a Rammstein music video.
10. Valeria Lukyanova
Known as the Human Barbie, Valeria Lukyanova took her love of dolls to an extreme. Born in Ukraine, Valeria underwent a series of transformations to resemble a Barbie doll, although she insists she has had no surgery except for breast implants. With a strict diet and exercise regime, Valeria has achieved her doll-like appearance. She also claims to be a spiritual guide from Venus, sharing her beliefs on YouTube with over 200,000 followers.
Bonus Women
- Mayra Rosales, once the world’s heaviest woman, weighing 1,100 pounds, has lost over 900 pounds after multiple surgeries.
- Lizzie Velásquez was born with a condition that prevents her from gaining body fat, and as an adult, she has never weighed more than 66 pounds.
- Hazel Jones has a rare condition where she was born with two vaginas.
- Arifa Sultana has two wombs, and remarkably, she carried a baby in each simultaneously.
- Estela Meléndez, a 92-year-old woman, has been carrying a mummified fetus inside her body for over 50 years.
These incredible women defy expectations and show that life’s challenges can lead to extraordinary stories.