A sad farewell for teenager with the body of a 150-year-old: Philippines mourns 19-year-old with disorder that caused her to age rapidly
- Ana Rochelle, dubbed 'Asia's oldest woman' has died aged 19 years old
- Teenager suffered from condition causing body to age ten times faster
- Most sufferers of Progeria don't live past an average of 14 years
- US-based charity Progeria Research Foundation announced her death
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.
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Brave: Ana Rochelle, 19, reportedly died last week - her death was announced by the Progeria Research Foundation
Two years before her death, doctors described Ana as looking like a 136-year-old
Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, often shortened to progeria, causes the body to age eight times faster than normal
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.
On her 18th birthday Ana had a princess themed party, complete with a throne and multiple costume changes
According to Progeria Research Foundation, there are 80 children around the world who have progeria, with only two reported cases in the Philippines.
'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.
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