Rare disease causes teen to look older than her mother

The mother of a 16-year-old girl says a rare condition has caused her daughter to age prematurely and her body to become covered in wrinkles.

Raizel Calago, from Salasang Arakan in Cotabato, Philippines, is just a teenager, but her complexion and changing face shape make her look like she is in her 50s.

Raizel was in good health until two years ago, at age 14, when she developed red, itchy spots that she believed were allergies.

She was admitted to hospital to find out what was causing her skin problems, but on December 21, 2019, she was diagnosed with a rare disease called progeria.

The progressive genetic form of the disease is better known — though still extremely rare — in children, causing them to age rapidly in the first two years of life.

The adult form, also known as Werner syndrome, may appear in adolescence or early adulthood, causing premature aging and typical age-related health conditions such as cataracts, diabetes, heart problems and osteoporosis.

“We were so sad and worried. We didn’t know what to do,” Raizel’s mother, Joela Omagap Calago, told Jam Press.

In addition to the physical changes in her appearance, Raizel has stopped growing and suffers from back pain.

It’s hard for her to leave the house because of this condition. Even before the pandemic, she wore a mask, jacket, and pants everywhere.

Even though she’s currently working from home due to the pandemic, school has been difficult for her in the past.

“Raizel is ashamed to face other people,” Joel said.

“There are teenagers who bully her, but there are also those who love her and make her happy.”

One of the hardest things for Joeli is that, at 37, she looks younger than her daughter.

“A lot of people think I look younger than Raizel,” she said.

“It hurts me. I don’t want to hear that some people think that way.”

Currently, Raizel has no access to any treatment that could slow the effects of this disease.

Doctors continue to monitor patients for possible conditions that may be a consequence of progeria.

Her family is trying to raise money to help her live with the disease.

Financially support Joela Omagap Calago through Banco De Oro – Cotabato – Kidapawan branch (003320396050).

Laura Abernethy/Jam Press/Australscope

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