Rumeysa Gelgi is known as the tallest woman in the world and lives with a rare genetic condition. She recently recounted her experience when flying from Istanbul to San Francisco, a 19-hour flight during which Turkish Airlines exceeded expectations. Six seats had to be removed from the airplane to accommodate her special stretcher so that she could lie down flat and thereby not injure her spine at all during the long flight. The cabin crew, along with medical staff, provided full support in making the trip as smooth as possible.
In an interview with Guinness World Records, she says: “I am literally so excited that my heart starts racing. I have a spina bifida problem, which forced me to travel by flying stretcher. That was fantastic-it was really soft and comfortable. They, the crew, and even the chef arranged this gorgeous-looking chocolate cake. This was such niceness. I felt that, honestly it moved me”.
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Commenting further on her condition, Rumeysa added, “I have a condition called scoliosis, which is severe spinal curvature. I had spinal fusion surgery for it, 11 years ago and my curve has been reduced and doesn’t threaten my life anymore. However, the time I can stay seated is still limited to 1-2 hours at once (it was a maximum of 20 minutes before my surgery). And I will need to lie down afterward for some time, due to immense pressure on the spine.
She also mentioned, due to her spinal condition with two long rods and 30 screws in her back, she always needs to keep her back straight and flat at all times. Thus, traveling on a stretcher was not only the safest but the only option for her. Even though her height is often brought up, the medical condition is the main reason for this requirement. Being able to safely board an airplane was much appreciated.
Rumeysa Gelgi, born with Weaver Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder leading to bone overgrowth, is one of only around 50 known cases in medical history.
