Article Source: msnbc.com
from:msnbc.comOn the inside, Zara Hartshorn is just like any 13-year-old girl - but on the outside she looks middle-aged due to lipodystrophy, a rare condition she inherited from her mother. She said she suffers cruel taunts from other children who "call me Grandma."
You're in Easy Mode. If you prefer, you can use XHTML Mode instead. |
Colon cancer test may not require laxatives: studyâÂÂBeauty machineâ makes everyone prettyU.S. launches ambitious Alzheimer's plan with research pushScientists build world's first artificial stomachFirst Alzheimer's prevention study launchedGet the scoop on smoothiesThe dirtiest clean places ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂâÃWhy isn't HIV testing routine yet?Flesh-eating germ rare, especially for the healthyOklahoma City mayor puts city on a diet
Leave a Comment:
The part I can't believe is how cruel her peers are. With 3 children in a family having this disease, you figure the school would be made aware of it, local businesses, etc. and people would be especially nice to her.
Kids will always be cruel to anyone who is different. Many of these kids will probably never develop empathy until they suffer their own misfortune.
Apparently from the responses here it's not just kids that can be cruel, and you are correct about them never being able to learn empathy.
There are seven in the family. Different fathers and we want to blame others. The problem is that this woman was irresponsible. The mother knew what she had and still had the children. The crime is the mother. She needed to be sterilized years ago. Having defective children on purpose. This article left out many facts as usual.
I can attest to kids being cruel. I stuttered alot when I was a kid and I have buck teeth (though not too bad) and I constantly got laughed at. I can feel this girl's pain so much because I went through it.
Because of those kids I became an introvert which I never wanted to be. I am finally out of my shell thanks to a wonderful husband, a great family and the best friends and coworkers anyone could ever ask for.
what is sad is that it did not happen until I was out of high school. I so wanted to go to college but I was afraid of getting the same treatment.
I can understand the mother's feelings too. My daughter started to stutter when she was about 4 years old. I cried and cried thinking about the life that she was going to have. I begged God for help for my little girl. I went to therapy for it back in the 60's and 70's but all it was was me reading line for line from a book. It didn't do any good. My daughter had the best therapist around (she even helped me out without really knowing it) in kindergarten up in Groton, CT. She made my daughter talk like a robot and I did that too. Lo and behold my beautiful daughter quit stuttering and hasn't done it since. I lapse every now and then but it is so much better.
Sorry about that but felt like I had to explain myself. I didn't mean to go into detail as much as I did. But I like for others to be aware that it is not anyboy's fault on the way they look or how they talk.
I have one more thing to say Thank you, Mrs. Ahearn!
Wow... Just.. wow. I really hope you yourself don't have children, you're on your way to creating future bullies.
Three things about this bother me:
1. Why would the woman keep having offspring when she knows she has the disease?
2. Why hasn't science been more focused on this hereditary condition to at least help erradicate it?
3. Perhaps this is the very gene/condition that can be reversed to help everyone?
Dr. Mike, the sad truth is that medical research tends to be focused more on diseases that many people have. As the article said, only about 2000 people in the entire world have this condition, so as far as researchers are concerned, it probably isn't worth their time. I do agree, though, that the mother should have thought twice about having children - or at least having a third child. Just because a disease is hereditary doesn't mean that every child in a family will necessarily get it - the best example of this being diabetes. But after her first child was born with the condition, the mom should have been considering sterilization; and when a second child was born with it, she should have been RUNNING to see a doctor.
wait...So her mom was able to get laid enough to pop out SEVEN of those??? guess I shouldn't be suprised there are those of the male species who will screw anything with a pulse. but Wow.
Interesting, so someone with a rare genetic disease should be denied the ability to have children because its likely that they will also have it?
And by that rational you should also be sterilized, seeing as you have some form of genetic idiocy disease.
Maybe she has children because she hopes one may be born "normal."
Who says they aren't? Maybe they are trying to find a way to lessen the condition but they don't know where to start.
Everyone as in the world, or just the people who have it and the future generations who could? Or everyone as in make it easier for everyone else so they won't have to deal with teenagers who look middle-aged or elderly?
Genetics are not easy to get rid of or control.
That's true. I know because I have the same condition. Looking at my picture on my profile page it's hard to believe that I am actually only 23.
How many children will her children have and pass on the disease? I have just one thing to say...birth control and sterilization.
Uh huh. Nice try.
That's a stupid and misogynistic thing to say.
Why in the world would the mother choose to have children?!! The cruelty of that is beyond belief. The mother has not been successful in her personal relationships, is on public assistance, and herself has suffered the issues this disease has brought upon her. What was she thinking, bringing not one, but two, and then three children into the world, each one not spared of this? Very selfish in my opinion.
As I noted above, I can see having ONE child - since genetic disorders aren't necessarily passed on to all children. But if it had been me, after the first child, I would have quit!
Human natures turn on psychological defenses whenever an individual
faces a situation threatening his/her image about himself/herself and/or
ultimately, survival. In this case of PROGERIA (I do not know why her
dermatologist speaks but about lipodystrophy), her mother uses denial and regression like a curtain falling down in front of her eyes. As a result she
can't deal with the problem adequately and in a socially responsible way,
that is, rationally. I think that her family physician has not been responsible
enough to protect the mother and her family.
I so totally agree. It figures that she would be on public assistance. Probably vying for a spot on reality tv. I'm not all for Big Brother and all that, but someone with genetic problems like that should be sterilized, especially before expecting the public to support them and their genetically flawed offspring. Don't get me wrong--I feel so sorry for the children; not their fault their mother is selfish and incrediby stupid.
what a disgusting point of view. Where do you draw the line in steralizations? Do people who have cleft palets have to be steralized according to you?
If I had that condition, and I would know it is a hereditary condition, I wouldn't be bringing children to this world. It is too cruel to watch this illness as it is, to also put my kids to deal with the cruel jokes, teasing and stares from the people.
Mom, if she could attract more men, would have more chilren to fatten her government aid. These children need a mother who cares more for them than herself. You are right "myperspective".
That woman/mom should have been on birth control and how irresponsible of her to bring 3 children into the world with the likelyhood they too would have this horrible disease - she should be ashamed of herself for putting her kids through this all the while knowing what she has been through over the years -
The girl may have it tough and my sympathy to her, but she should take a crack at Hollywood and make this ailment work for her!
Maybe the mother didn't know it was going to be genetic. If the person knows, then they shouldn't reproduce. But blaming the mother and calling her "selfish" needs to be examined a little further. But yes, her peers are total pieces of @!$%# for treating her that way. And the way this story was told, especially about the other kids threatening to beat her up, it looks to me like AP is trying to once again demonize every other country outside of the US. Unfortunately, that @!$%# happens just as much right here.
There are no good or bad countries, just good or bad people.
Although people CAN be terribly cruel, its mostly because they are frightened to know that such conditions even exist. There are those of us who understand and want to help, not outcast. We ALL have the condition, just in a slightly slower version. There is NO reason whatsoever that mankind needs to get "old" in appearance, other than the simple matter of natural selection and telemerase functions built into our genetics.
Lets just hope for that girl and all of us, that this can be overcome in the near future.
As long as the government subsidizes unwed mothers and their children, we will continue to have unwed mothers having children, even genetically defective ones all on the public dole!
what about the Fathers Ken?
Why in the word would anyone with this heriditary disease have not one, but three children? Not to mention the irresponsibility of having three different fathers and being on public assistance.
What kind of example has she set for these children? Will they go on to produce more children to endure this awful disease and to be supported by society?
Guess what she could still have more. At this point nothing is to say she has learned anything from the three she has had with this disorder.
She had seven children. Three ended up with the disease/illness.
Honestly... why would this woman decide to have children? I'm not saying she doesn't have the right, but knowingly bringing children into the world when you know they are going to have genetic defects that will make them miserable their ENTIRE lives? There's some bad logic there.
one word: ADOPT
Years ago, I read an article in which a couple had seven children with Sickle Cell Anemia. Although, after the 2nd child was diagnosed and they knew their chances of subsequent children having the disease was very high, they had 5 more children. The article was written in the tone that we should feel sorry for the parents. I think not! I feel sorry only for the children.
This woman too, should not have had children and passed on this disease. How people can be so selfish that their desire for children that it supersedes any pain their children may experience is beyond me. I am very sorry for Zara and hope that she has the strength to deal with her difficulties.
That disgusting, grotesque crone!!! She knew that she had that condition yet she still had seven kids? from different men? So they all can live on wellfare in some ghetto? Selfish whore, I hope she lives forever.
Poor girl. Is her face the only part that is affected or does her body age as well?
Brazil Jiujitsu- you should do some research before you comment!! You know nothing of the condition yet you are quick to coment negatively on one of the best comments on this entire thread! read a book!
Useless.
And overkill. Brazil jiujitsu, you're suspended for a week for violating #1 of the Code of Honor. Second suspension in a week's time.
Brazil jiujitsu banned, multiple of Wanderlei, also banned, reregs of Awesome Kong, also banned. Whew.
I think this person likes MMA and wrestling.
OMG..that poor girl! What freaking kind of life is she going to have. How terribly sad.
People can be cruel but there are those of us out here who support those needing it..Life is difficult enough with her medical issue..I am wondering if the use of HGH or a something similar might be of benefit to her..I have used it and maintain a younger than my age look..I am not sure if the medical condition would prevent the growth factors from working..another item I think might help would be taking colostrum..I think it would be worth a shot..but whether she takes them or not..my prayers and best wishes go to her and her family..stay strong..God bless
Bibol,I agree with you.The mom had 2 children with the disease and also herself..WHY would a person have another child.She was cruel if you ask me.I was a nurse and know of parents and thier parents that had diabetic children but wanted more kids knowing the odds of having another diabetic child.Not the the same but the same..
I feel so sad for the girl...she does not deserve the hand she was dealt.... But as many others have commented, what the h is wrong with her mother?? Reproducing knowing that her condition is hereditary....not once, not twice, but THREE times?? She is the cruelest of anyone in this story....
While it is a very sad story, especially that people can be so cruel, she does have the eyes of a little girl. Just look at the glow and the sparkle behind them. Her eyes do not look aged - and it's too bad our society looks so much at the outside instead of what's inside.
I think Zara is beautiful! Zara, if you are reading this, I want your mom to email me, and I will send you a free copy of my novel, There Are No Words. My goal in life is to demystified disabilities, like the one you have, through peer education. Your school needs a better way of educating your classmates about acceptance. I can do that for you.
Bless you, dear Zara. Middle school is terrible. I'm so sorry for your broken heart.
Mary Calhoun Brown
your better off going to the orginal article and trying to contact the writer who might be willing to forward a message.
I think that Zara's mother is indeed selfish and should never have elected to let herself have children. She knew exactly what she was passing on to her kids.
If I had the money I would pay for her to get cosmetic surgery and her siblings also. Forget the mother!
considering that it seems the disease is somewhat like rapid aging...I dont think surgery would help
this story kinda reminds me of Lizzie's story on www.gomotah.com, but Lizzie still seems to be different.
If you watch the video.. she didn't have three kids, she had SEVEN. The article only mentions the three with the inherited syndrome. How could someone who's suffered so much with this disease keep popping out babies, knowing there's a fairly high chance the kid will have it? I would think after the first affected baby was born you'd think "oh man, I can't do this to any more of my children."
If you're so screwed up you have to keep having relationships with random guys, fine, whatever. Kids grow up with parents like that often and turn out alright. But to create a life knowing you're a genetic timebomb? Completely irresponsible.
She has SEVEN kids???? And how many different fathers to the children? AND she's on public assistance? I would think that the government would have told her LONG ago, "We're not paying for any more" - especially when two of her older children had this condition. Selfish, selfish, selfish.
The one thing I did notice in the video is that despite the lines and wrinkles, Zara's eyes and smile are still that of a young girl - which makes it even sadder.
And who exactly does that hurt? doh...the child, right. Lets punish the child. GOOD ONE!
you know, you people are acting like this girl is some kind of monstrosity and how horrible for her to even be alive. THAT is exactly what is wrong with society. I happen to have alopecia areata, which made me bald as a child, so I understand what this girl is going through, however it's an aesthetic disorder and my health is just fine, I just don't look, "normal".
You people need to get some serious perspective on a human being's worth if all you can do is throw stones at people who look different than the norm. Don't they have the same right to pursue happiness, live a full life and yes even dare to have a family like the rest of you? If people weren't so caught up on looks then this wouldn't even be a life altering, self esteem damaging problem.
Some of you posters in this forum sicken me.
I think you're overreacting more than a little bit. Most of the posters have expressed sympathy for Zara - not because they think she's a "monstrosity", but because they can see from the story what she will be facing in life. As far as it being "horrible for her to be alive" - all anyone is saying is that it was selfish and cruel for her mother to continue having children when she KNEW about her genetic disorder and how it had affected two of her children already. The only person having stones cast at them is the mother, and she certainly deserves it.
There is a product which was approved by the FDA in 2004 for use in cases where lipodystrophy affects facial features...there is a number in the US for a company called Dermik Aesthetics and they have a program to assist those who need treatment but cannot afford it...1-888-728-5787 (product Sculptra PAP) It is not a quick fix or permanent but can be repeated at intervals. I do not know if it is currently available in England but those who wrote this article probably have the resources to follow up on the possibility if the manufacturer might be able to assist this child in securing treatment.
To the commentor of #21: are_you— serious:
You may be entirely right about the issues regarding procreation when you have a genetic disorder...but I don't believe that fact detracts from the pain this young girl is having to endure at this point. One would think the use of birth control would have been a no brainer but it is a done deal for this family at this point. I have also seen people who have been well aware they carry the dominant gene for death producing disorders and will stand a very high probability of transmitting the disease to a child, still decide to play birth roulette and have children. I am torn about the ethical issues...I have a strong inclination to believe I should not interfere with your right to do what you wish with your own body, however that being said...if exercising that right will potentially negatively affect the body of someone else, then I don't think you have the ethical/moral right to procreate...and in fact have a moral and ethical responsibility NOT to procreate. This may not be a physically lethal disorder, but it carries such a profound psychologically negative effect that it may as well be fatal.
in what cases does lipodystrophy only affect teh face? are you a Medical doctor to be handing out 'fda approved' treatments? Do you know what lipodystrophy really is?
I'm not going to judge Zara's mother for having children, knowing she could pass on a hereditary disease. I am disgusted by the cruelty of the others on this opinion page. I feel sorry for her children, I really do. These kids don't deserve the hand they have been dealt. These kids are human beings, they are deserving a good life. The mother deserves understanding, not judgement. It's got to be damned hard living with a disease like that. Should she have had children? Its not my place to say and not anyone else's either. These people aren't freaks and have a right to live in peace and understanding like anyone else in the world.
That's heartbreaking - really feel for her.