Mary and Ruth looked similar as children until they were 11 years old. Mary began to gain weight after that. a substantial amount of weight. When the sisters came on the Oprah Show in 2005, Mary was 300 pounds heavier than her sister.

While Mary described herself as “the fat twin” and Ruth as the “beautiful one,” Ruth also struggled with her weight. She struggled with anorexia and bulimia because she was afraid of gaining weight like Mary.

During that first interview, Mary’s 13-year-old son, Chris, expressed his concern that he would lose his mother, that she would die as a result of her eating disorder. Six years later, a terrible event in Mary’s life finally got her to take action.

Oprah tracked down the sisters and discovered the emotional reason Mary was taking charge of her life. It’s heartbreaking and upsetting, and it’s a reminder for us all to never take life for granted.

Tell your friends about Mary’s story!