UPDATE: Girl Living With Rare Genetic Disorder Passes Away

You will recall that we reported the story of 17-year-old Ontlametse Phalatse who was born with a rare genetic disorder called progeria that makes the affected persons age faster than normal. You will also recall that the young lady also wished to meet with the president of south Africa, before she died (read here).

New reports state that she passed away yesterday.

Expected by doctors to only live until the age of 14, Phalatse beat the odds against her and last month celebrated her 18th birthday. She was the only known black female born with this disease.

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News 24 reports that Phalatse experienced breathing difficulties on Tuesday and was rushed to Hebron Clinic before being referred to Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital. Her family released an official statement on her Facebook page where they wrote:

“The doctors did everything possible to save her but unfortunately she passed on. She was surrounded by her mother, brother, family members and friends. The Phalatse family and Ontlametse Phalatse Trust would like to thank the nurses at Hebron Clinic and the Staff at Dr George Mukhari [Hospital] for their compassion and their effort in trying to save her. Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness but Ontlametse as we know her would want us to carry on with her courageous spirit. We will miss you sorely, Tsontso, our first lady. May you find eternal peace among the angels”