I Was Born With A Third Arm On My Head | BORN DIFFERENT

Jan 05 2021

Health Social media Art Condition Comedy Love Media Disability Support Friends Standup Born different Awareness

37-YEAR-OLD Kelly Lynch has two spines as a result of being born with an underdeveloped conjoined twin. The San Francisco based standup comedian explains she was supposed to be a conjoined twin, but her twin did not develop in the womb. As a result, not only does Kelly have two spines, she was also born with a third arm attached to the back of her head and has one eye instead of two. Over time, her two spines have formed a helix shape, which means Kelly has a condition called kyphoscoliosis; an unusual curvage of the spine. The severe scoliosis has most probably resulted in Kelly being only 3ft 10" tall. The curvage of Kelly’s spine also resulted in pulmonary arterial hypertension, which causes shortness of breath and heart palpitations; she now uses 24/7 breathing support. However, Kelly will not let her severe health issues stand in her way, she tells Truly: "Initially the doctors told my parents I would not live past a year, and I really showed them! I’m 37 now.” Kelly loves going to gigs with her friends and is building up an impressive following on social media, which she uses for her comedy and disability awareness. Kelly adds: "I don’t let my disability limit what I love to do.”