Ashanti Eliott-Smith is like any other girls of her age, she goes to school, plays with her friends or her puppy, she likes horses and is a fan of Girls Aloud and JLS� But unfortunately, she has a rare incurable condition (Hutchinson�Gilford progeria syndrome) that makes her age faster than other people, 8 times faster to be more precise. This condition is very rare and only 52 persons in the world suffer progeria, with just one other kid in Britain.


Like some grannies, she is bald, has arthritis and has a weakening heart. She is just under 3ft (90cm) and barely weights 2st (13kg). Her parents say the worst part is the staring of people but: "If other children stare at her, Ashanti just smiles and says, 'It's because I'm beautiful.' She is a brave little girl and nothing can get her down. I hope she will have a long life and enjoy each moment of it!It reminds me the stories of another girl and boy with rare diseases that make them look older.

7-Year-Old Girl with the Body of an Old Woman (19 pics)
7-Year-Old Girl with the Body of an Old Woman (19 pics)
7-Year-Old Girl with the Body of an Old Woman (19 pics)
7-Year-Old Girl with the Body of an Old Woman (19 pics)
7-Year-Old Girl with the Body of an Old Woman (19 pics)
7-Year-Old Girl with the Body of an Old Woman (19 pics)
7-Year-Old Girl with the Body of an Old Woman (19 pics)
7-Year-Old Girl with the Body of an Old Woman (19 pics)
7-Year-Old Girl with the Body of an Old Woman (19 pics)
7-Year-Old Girl with the Body of an Old Woman (19 pics)
7-Year-Old Girl with the Body of an Old Woman (19 pics)
7-Year-Old Girl with the Body of an Old Woman (19 pics)
7-Year-Old Girl with the Body of an Old Woman (19 pics)
7-Year-Old Girl with the Body of an Old Woman (19 pics)
7-Year-Old Girl with the Body of an Old Woman (19 pics)
7-Year-Old Girl with the Body of an Old Woman (19 pics)
7-Year-Old Girl with the Body of an Old Woman (19 pics)
7-Year-Old Girl with the Body of an Old Woman (19 pics)
7-Year-Old Girl with the Body of an Old Woman (19 pics)