Carly Kudzia age 4
PROGERIA
When Carly was 10 months old she was
diagnosed with Progeria, which is a rare fatal
genetic condition that causes “dysmorphic
features” and small stature. It is also known as
the rapid aging disease. Progeria occurs in about 1 in 8 million newborns and
although they are born looking healthy, children with Progeria begin to display
many characteristics of accelerated aging at around 18-24 months of age.
During the time of her diagnosis, Carly’s parents didn’t know how to deliver the
news of the fatal illness to their family. After a while, they realized they wanted
everyone to know about Carly’s condition, otherwise they would stare and
wonder what was wrong with her. Her parents started a Facebook page and a
website and created “Team Carly-Q”.
Today, Carly is healthy and happy and takes prescribed growth hormones along
with vitamins and supplements to help her grow strong. At four years old, she is
36” inches tall and a whopping 22.6lbs! Carly’s family knows in their hearts that
Progeria will be cured during her lifetime, and they now just want to do all they
can to make it happen sooner than later.