A brave girl from the United Kingdom who raised awareness about a rare genetic disorder that causes premature aging passed away due to the complications of the disease.
Progeria affects 1 in 4-8 million newborns globally and up to date, there are an estimated 200 - 250 children living with the condition worldwide at any time. Hayley Okines, who ages at eight times the normal rate, died at age 17 in Thursday evening.
Medical New Today reported that Hayley passed away in their hometown in Bexhill in East Sussez, England. In her mother's Facebook, she posted, "My baby girl has gone somewhere better. She took her last breath in my arms at 9.39 pm."
She was dubbed by BBC News as the girl who had the body of a 104-year old. However, at age 17, her body was slowly aging and she had pneumonia, disease older adults are vulnerable to. She was hospitalized but returned home before she died.
Mark Okines, Hayley's father, told BBC News on Friday, "She came home for an hour and she saw her puppies, little brother Louie and her sister Ruby." He added, "I think she wanted to come home to say goodbye to everybody. I think she knew that yesterday was going to be the time."
Progeria or Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS), is a very rare and progressive genetic condition that causes children to age rapidly beginning in their first two years of life, Mayo Clinic reports. Generally, children with this condition would look normal at birth but during their first year of life, signs and symptoms may start to appear.
Signs and symptoms of the disease include slow growth, hair loss, narrowed face, small lower jaw, thin lips and beaked nose. Others may have thinning, spotty, wrinkled skin and visible veins. Children with progeria usually suffer from heart problems and the average life expectancy of someone with the condition is 13 years old. However, some may die younger while others may surpass the life expectancy age.
Her memory lives on as well as her advocacy in raising awareness on her condition. At age 14, she published her autobiography and inspires many others who have the same condition like hers.
The Progeria Research Foundation posted on its Facebook page: "The entire Progeria family mourns together with many as we say goodbye to Hayley Okines, our smart, beautiful and spirited English rose, who passed away today at age 17."