Progeria
Progeria is a disease that creates increased and rapid aging within the children who have it. It can be caused by a mutation in the LMNA gene which is an important gene that create protein for the membrane of the nucleus. This creates unstable membrane, damaging the nucleus and causing the cell to die early.
Children with this disease will die usually of a heart attack around the age of 13 and all experience similar physical characteristics. Age spots, lack of growth, cardiovascular disease and stroke are all symptoms that these children will experience.According to the Progeria Research Foundation, symptoms also include:
-growth failure
-aged-looking skin
-stiffness of joints
-loss of body fat and hair
-hip dislocation
-generalized atherosclerosis
-cardiovascular (heart) disease and stroke
Progeria does not affect the children's intellect. However, many of those with the disease are inspiring others through their hope and positivity.If these children can remain positive and be hopeful regardless of their circumstances, it should create hope for others. Their physical appearance should not hindered people from seeing the true beauty within. Within in our society, disabilities continue to be seen as a hindrance and a reason to discriminate against someone. This shouldn't be so. We hope that with education and understanding of progeria, people will no longer discriminate against these children.
Children with this disease will die usually of a heart attack around the age of 13 and all experience similar physical characteristics. Age spots, lack of growth, cardiovascular disease and stroke are all symptoms that these children will experience.According to the Progeria Research Foundation, symptoms also include:
-growth failure
-aged-looking skin
-stiffness of joints
-loss of body fat and hair
-hip dislocation
-generalized atherosclerosis
-cardiovascular (heart) disease and stroke
Progeria does not affect the children's intellect. However, many of those with the disease are inspiring others through their hope and positivity.If these children can remain positive and be hopeful regardless of their circumstances, it should create hope for others. Their physical appearance should not hindered people from seeing the true beauty within. Within in our society, disabilities continue to be seen as a hindrance and a reason to discriminate against someone. This shouldn't be so. We hope that with education and understanding of progeria, people will no longer discriminate against these children.
Other Organizations
For more information visit:
-National Human Genome Research Institute- This organization educates the public on a variety of information related to health, progeria included. They are also looking into several different approaches on a way to treat progeria. One approach is they are considering is using "high-throughput screening technology to identify chemical compounds" in hopes to reverse or undo the cell mutations for those with progeria.
-National Human Genome Research Institute- This organization educates the public on a variety of information related to health, progeria included. They are also looking into several different approaches on a way to treat progeria. One approach is they are considering is using "high-throughput screening technology to identify chemical compounds" in hopes to reverse or undo the cell mutations for those with progeria.
-Progeria Research Foundation- This organization focuses on finding treatments for the progeria. They bring inspirational stories and videos that inspire hope- hope that we wish to bring too. This organization has a Cell and Tissue bank, something they consider vital in the advancement in understanding progeria and seeking a cure. Currently they are funding a clinical drug trial, "a drug that may treat – or even cure – children with Progeria" they believe.
Articles for Consideration
-Scientific America- Scientific America is a science magazine who did an article on progeria. They believe they have found a potential cure for progeria- a way to restore the shape of the nucleus which will stop the cells from dieing and overall the person from aging so quickly. Their cure has not been confirmed yet though. However, they also discovered that the toxin that causes the mutation of the LMNA gene is found in all humans, just in small amounts. This may contribute to our aging.
Testimonies and Quotes
Hayley is a a child who was diagnosed with progeria. Inspired by Hayley and other children with progeria, a song writer wrote a song called "The voices of Tomorrow" and another individual was inspired to make a video to accompany the song as well. In honor of her, there is even a website created in her honor. Hayley's outreach to spread awareness for her rare disease has stretched even farther with the publication of her book, "Old before My Time." Currently, Hayley is the oldest teenager alive with progeria. The life expectancy for a child with progeria is 13 years old, but Hayley is currently 16 years old, which is incredible.
I am not worried about dying. They said the Titanic wouldn’t sink but it did, so that proves experts can be wrong and I want to prove the doctors wrong."-Hayley Okines
Amber and Michiel are siblings who both have progeria. Their parents have created a bilingual site about progeria. The website translates to English, France and Netherlands. The experiences of these children are shared to the public through a dairy of their experiences on the website.
“Michiel and Amber, from the depth of our heart, we want you to know that we always will love you, forever and ever. We are very happy that you have selected us as your mammy and daddy. Michiel and Amber, we love you from here to heaven and back“.
-Michiel's and Amber's parents
“Michiel and Amber, from the depth of our heart, we want you to know that we always will love you, forever and ever. We are very happy that you have selected us as your mammy and daddy. Michiel and Amber, we love you from here to heaven and back“.
-Michiel's and Amber's parents