Due to a highly rare genetic condition called chimerism, 33-year-old model Taylor Muhl has two sets of DNA, two skin tones, and two immune system. She claims to be her own twin sister.
In the womb, Muhl had a fraternal twin sister with whom she “fused.” Chimerism “occurs when one unborn child absorbs the cells of another miscarried sibling in the womb, leading to the surviving person taking some of the genes of their ‘ghost’ twin,'” The Independent explains.
Muhl claims the condition is so rare that it’s only been confirmed in roughly 100 cases worldwide, though conflicting reports say it’s much more likely than we realize (it’s thought many cases go undiagnosed).
The aspiring singer has two different pigmentations, a fairer tone on the right side of the body than that of her left side.
Unfortunately, Muhl also has some health troubles due to the chimerism. “My autoimmune issues started pretty heavily as a preteen and that was very difficult being so young, especially not knowing why I was sick,” she told Yahoo.
As the New York Post notes, the model’s health problems are “the result of one half of her body attacking the other, as she carries two sets of DNA and therefore, two ‘different’ immune systems.”
Though the 33-year-old takes good care of her body, ingesting supplements, probiotics and living an active and healthy lifestyle, she still suffers from autoimmune problems.
“Even with doing all of that, though, I still endure autoimmune problems and food sensitivities daily, so emotionally it can get frustrating and wearing,” Muhl said.
Dealing with her condition has propelled her to become an advocate for chimerism, as well as a “body positivity” advocate.
In November, Muhl first publicly showed her differing skin tones. “This is the first time publicly I’ve show how my physical abnormality from being a Human Chimera wraps around my left side,” she wrote via Instagram.
In another post, the model wrote, “I felt it was important to show my entire physical demarcation because in the entertainment business there’s an overwhelming amount of pressure to appear physically perfect or within a certain physical stereotype.”
“I hope by showing my own imperfections I can inspire others who have physical abnormalities or who are different, to never let that stop them from pursuing their dreams,” she said.