ShabbyTrick
Grave of Worlds Tallest women SANDY ALLEN Sandy Allen, born on June 18, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, was recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s tallest woman, standing at 7 feet 7 inches tall. Her exceptional height was caused by a pituitary tumor that led to gigantism, a condition marked by the overproduction of growth hormone. Raised by her grandmother in Shelbyville, Indiana, Sandy underwent surgery in 1977 at the age of 22 to stop further growth. She first gained international attention in 1976 when coworkers submitted her story to Guinness, leading to her inclusion in the record books and appearances in television and film, including Fellini’s Casanova, Side Show, and several documentaries. She also inspired the 1982 song “Hello Sandy Allen” by the band Split Enz.
Despite the physical challenges that came with her height, Sandy used her platform to advocate for self-acceptance, particularly among children. She was known for her kindness, humility, and ability to connect with others. In later years, she used a wheelchair and eventually moved into a nursing home in Shelbyville, where she lived alongside Edna Parker, once the oldest living person in the world. Sandy passed away on August 13, 2008, at the age of 53 due to complications from a blood infection, diabetes, and respiratory issues. Her legacy lives on through a scholarship in her name at Shelbyville High School, and many of her personal items were donated to Ripley’s Believe It or Not museums. Sandy Allen’s life continues to inspire as a story of strength, dignity, and embracing one’s uniqueness.
