Sandy Allen The Worlds Tallest Woman Dies-A GIANT Loss
She was born Sandra Allen, in Chicago , Illinois, on June 18Th, 1955. Sandra and her family had no idea that she was to be a very special person. She would grow up to be the TALLEST Woman In The World.
She reached 7′ 7¼ inches (232 cm) in height. And would have grown taller, had they not preformed surgery when she was 22.
Sandra Allen with her friend Rita Rose.
You see, Sandra suffered from gigantism. Her abnormal height was due to a tumor in her pituitary gland. Gigantism would have caused her to continue to grow and causes more medical problems eventually resulting in death.
Gigantism did take it’s toll on Sandra and the world lost it’s softest giant, Saturday, August 13Th, 2008.
Even thought she was not able to walk around as others, Sandra never let that stop her.Her accomplishments were many
* She was an author “Cast A Giant Shadow.”
* She was in the Guinness Book of World Records since 1976, as the Worlds TALLEST woman.
* She was a movie star. She appeared in the Academy Award winning Italian film Il Casanova di Federico Fellini, with Donald Sutherland.
* She was in a movie made for TV called, Side Show.
* She was in a Canadian/American documentary film called Being Different. Being Different has been on HBO.
* She had a song that was made about her called “Hello Sandy Allen” by a rock band in New Zealand.
* She was a very unique and special person.
Gigantism takes it tolls on the body and Sandra eventually used a wheelchair because her spine would not support her frame. At one point she was completely bed ridden because her muscles would became so atrophied.
She spent her last years in a retirement home in Shelbyville, Indiana. In fact, it is the same center where Edna Parker, the oldest living person is residing today.
The Guinness Book of World Records identifies Sandra Allen as the tallest Woman in the WORLD. Her family and friends remember and knew her, remember her as having the biggest smile and heart.
She was definitely one very tall Baby Boomer, who we will not forget. You should go to see her web page. It has information about her life, accomplishments, videos and her pictures of her unique funeral service. You will not be disappointed. http://www.sandyallensbook.com/
~The Baby Boomer Queen~
The World has lost the oldest living person, Edna Parker on November 26th, 2008. BBAC has an updated post on this remarkable woman.
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Hi,
Sandy Allen (she was known as Sandy, not Sandra) was my friend of 31 years. Thanks for your nice blog about this extraordinary woman who was a true gentle giantess– kind, funny, sensitive and determined to show kids that “It’s OK to be different.” My novel about the high school life of Sandy Allen will be out Nov. 1. Hardback copies are available at a discounted price — $21 instead of $25 — softcover copies are $18 (no discount). All books will be autographed by me. Here is a link to Hawthorne Publishing’s website, where you can order the book online, or you can mail a check.
http://www.hawthornepub.com/books_history.html#dayatatime
Hello Rita…
Thank you for visiting my blog. I wondered if you were going to find us.
I thought that Sandra was called “Sandy” That is why I wrote she was born “Sandra Allen” but did the subject heading as “Sandy Allen.” She just did not seem some one who stood on pretenses and in researching her…it just seemed right to call her Sandy Allen.
I first saw her when she was involved with the movie. I am a milliner and had a vintage clothing boutique and that is how I found her. I would have loved to had made a hat for her. As with her wardrobe, I am sure that she had them made especially for her.
I am glad that you enjoyed my article on Sandy. It is never hard to write about good people or the bad people. Sandy, was one of the good people.
I very seldom allow advertising on my blog, except for guest writers, but I will in your instance…I would like more people to understand just how special Sandy Allen was.
Please come back often and soon.
Southern smiles and world peace,
Sharon
~The Baby Boomer Queen~
I will definitely come back — I’m a baby boomer too!