A teenager dubbed the 'oldest woman in
Asia' has died aged 19 from the rare condition that aged her body ten
times faster than normal. Ana Rocelle
from the Philipines died last week, according to US-based charity
Progeria Reaearch Foundation, who campaigns for sufferers of the
condition.
Two years before her death,
doctors described Ana as looking like a 136-year-old with pronounced
wrinkles from her face to her feet.
But despite the difficulties of her short life, Ana lived her time to the full.
On her 18th birthday Ana had a princess themed party, complete with a throne and multiple costume changes. Hutchinson-Gilford
progeria syndrome, often shortened to progeria, causes the body to age
eight times faster than normal. The typical cause of death is either a
heart attack or stroke
She also met her idol Filipino singer, actress and television personality, Sarah Geronimo.
Ana's
delight at meeting the famous actress was clear as they snapped
selfies. Ms Geronimo thanked Ms Pondare for 'providing joy and hope'.
'I'm not a complete girl,' Ms Pondare told CNN iReport in 2011.
'The doctors said that I'm aging too fast and my life here on earth is quick, after 15 years, I'll be gone.'
According
to Progeria Research Foundation, there are 80 children around the world
who have progeria, with only two reported cases in the Philippines.
It is caused by an enemy protein known as progerin sticking to the cellular walls.
Surgeon
Dr. Pierre R. Clero, helped Ms Pondare to prolong her life by providing
her with a special diet and creams for her skin.
Ana completed just one year of high school, where she was bullied - one boy called her a 'demon' according to the Vera Files who interviewed her in 2014.
But she liked school, despite the obstacles and left because her mother could no longer afford to pay the fees. She joined her mother selling clothes, crafts and fruits on the streets of Plaridel in Bulacan province.- DailyMail
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