Meet Girl Who Is Only 18 But Has the Body of a 144-Year-Old

With the wrinkled hands, and face of an elderly woman, Rochelle Pondare looks like an aged woman but she only just turned eighteen.

She was diagnosed with Progeria when she was five years old, a condition that makes her age prematurely.

Progeria is caused by a genetic mutation which causes the cells of a patient’s body to malfunction, effecting the tissues and organs, and causing children to age dramatically. Just 100 children around the world have the condition and often do not live beyond their early teens.

Rochelle has been told her physical age might be close to 144, but is defying the odds, and already one of the oldest progeria patients in the world.

Rochelle, who has six brothers and sisters, does not worry about her condition, but looks after her younger siblings, who tower over her.

She also works on her family’s fruit and vegetable stall, where she is popular with customers for her cheerful and friendly personality.

She says she is determined to live as many years as possible, and has regular medical check-ups at Fatima University Medical Center in Manila to monitor her heart and other organs.

Her specialist Dr Imelda Cruz said: “Rochelle’s desire to live is very strong.”

Rochelle’s mother Rossanna, said: “Her hair started falling out when she was three years old. At five years old her skin started shrinking, that is when she was diagnosed.”

The family feared she would not be able to attend school because of her condition.

Rochelle said: “My body is ageing. I’m not growing. I feel like an old person, I’m short of breath. I have difficultly walking and feel tired. Sometimes my body aches. I was very happy when I was able to go to school. At first, I was nervous that they might not accept me because I am different but in Gods mercy, I was accepted in school. My family are the source of my strength and they are also the reason why I try to stand on my own. I do have dreams I want to reach, like to have my own house. I also want to have my business for my mom and dad so that they will no longer need to work and just stay at home. Thats the reason why I have a brave soul. It’s for them.”

Source: Mirror UK