DADADEL
Rumeysa Gelgi, the tallest living woman globally, stands out in human diversity. Based in Turkey, she’s an inspirational figure who, despite her achievements, recently opened up about the challenges in her daily life.
Being a child in an adult’s body posed unique challenges for Rumeysa Gelgi.
Gelgi’s upbringing diverged from the norm due to her unusual physical condition, leading to homeschooling in her early years. By the age of 6, she stood at an impressive 5’8″, challenging societal norms that dictate men should be taller than women. This expectation added an extra layer of difficulty for tall women, a burden that deeply troubled Gelgi.
Diagnosed with the rare genetic condition Weaver syndrome, affecting only 50 individuals globally, Gelgi holds the title of the world’s tallest woman. Reflecting on her journey, she describes feeling like a child trapped in an adult’s body, highlighting the struggles associated with her extraordinary height and the societal expectations it brings.
During Gelgi’s infancy, at the age of one, she underwent open-heart surgery to address congenital heart issues. Two years later, at three, she faced another operation, this time to correct an umbilical hernia. The challenges persisted as Gelgi reached five, requiring five months of physiotherapy before taking her first steps, relying on a walker for support.
Gelgi’s medical journey resembles a roller coaster. In 2013, she had two surgeries to address scoliosis. Since then, she has navigated life without significant health setbacks, opting for a proactive approach with regular physiotherapy. Despite her resilience, Gelgi currently relies on a wheelchair or walker for mobility, occasionally using custom-made orthopedic shoes to enhance her ability to move.
Adapting her wardrobe to suit her unique physique has been a journey filled with challenges.
Reflecting on this path, she acknowledges the difficulties of forming friendships due to her differences from peers. Despite the hurdles, with unwavering support from her parents and exceptional teachers, she learned a valuable lesson — a few adjustments can empower her to accomplish anything others can.
Her towering height turns every aspect of life into an ongoing adjustment. From clothing choices to daily routines, everything demands a personalized touch to cater to her distinctive stature. Despite the undeniable challenges, she has discovered a positive side — an opportunity to inject creativity into her fashion sense. Shopping involves selecting plus-size pieces that she transforms through modification and tailoring, turning obstacles into personalized style statements. Dresses become tops, and bottoms undergo custom adjustments, showcasing a fashion-forward approach to conquering challenges with personalized flair.
Rumeysa Gelgi depends on her family for support in specific daily tasks.
Engaging in activities like swimming and sharing meals, Gelgi’s family takes pride not only in her world titles but also in the awareness she raises. Traveling in a van due to her inability to ride in a car and requiring custom furniture due to her height, Gelgi navigates her world with unique considerations.
In her daily routine, Gelgi underscores the essential role of assistance in managing physical tasks given her distinctive stature. As the only tall member of her family, Gelgi confronts unique challenges related to health issues associated with her syndrome and height. Openly acknowledging her status as a physically disabled person, she sheds light on the ongoing struggles she faces.
Gelgi, navigating life with remarkable height, faces unique challenges in both physical and social realms. Despite encountering peculiar situations in her early years, she finds solace in simple pleasures, often bonding with her mother over shared moments of comfort and support, emphasizing the importance of familial connections.
Unmarried and childless, she discovers fulfillment in the appreciation of those who cherish her and her family.
Raised with a unique mindset by supportive parents, she embraces her identity, turning her health challenges into integral aspects of her self-image.
In her multifaceted life, Rumeysa Gelgi is a fulfilled individual—a researcher, advocate, and junior front-end developer at edX. Holding a front-end developer certification, she actively promotes awareness of Weaver syndrome. Beyond her professional roles, Gelgi volunteered for Strays Animal at Kirik Kuyruk from 2016 to 2020, showcasing her commitment to diverse interests and contributions.
Rumeysa Gelgi embraces life!
Embracing life with a positive outlook, Gelgi currently calls California home, immersing herself in the tech world. As a proud cat mom to Peri, named after the Turkish word for “fairy,” Gelgi faced the challenge of leaving Peri with friends in Turkey but eagerly anticipated bringing her feline companion to California soon. Having fulfilled her dream of flying for the first time, Gelgi looks forward to future adventures, contemplating a trip to the UK.
The relocation to California for a career in web development marked a significant milestone for Gelgi, reflecting her belief in turning challenges into opportunities. She encourages those facing adversity to recognize their uniqueness and strength. Gelgi, sharing her journey with Weaver Syndrome, aims to raise awareness about the condition. With over 39,000 Instagram followers, she has a supportive community. Beyond social media, Gelgi actively engages in public speaking and has appeared on various television platforms, contributing to a broader impact and outreach.
