Kaylee Halko who was diagnosed with Progeria, a genetic condition that makes children grow old ten times faster, is raising money along with her family to support a fundraiser for the Progeria Research Foundation at the Maumee Festival. Barbara Walters had reported earlier about two vibrant girls, Kaylee Halko and Lindsay Ratcliffe suffering from Progeria.

Children with progeria, also known as Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), generally appear normal at birth. By 12 months, symptoms develop such as slow growth and hair loss, begin to appear. Shortened lifespan is a direct link. People diagnosed with progeria survive till their early teenage years.

People diagnosed with this disorder usually have small, fragile bodies, like those of elderly people. Later, the condition causes wrinkled skin, atherosclerosis, kidney failure, loss of eyesight, hair loss, and cardiovascular problems.
Here are some pictures of people diagnosed with progeria:

Progeria, the rapid premature aging in children
Nguyen Thi Ngoc, 13, reads a book at home in Ho Chi Minh City. Ngoc is Vietnam's first known case of Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, a rare disease which ages the body so rapidly its victims die before they have barely experienced youth. Ngoc, who lives in Ho Chi Minh City, comes from a poverty-stricken family and local hospitals lack the means and expertise to treat her. Photo taken March 6. REUTERS
Progeria, the rapid premature aging in children
Nguyen Thi Ngoc, 13, reads a book at home in Ho Chi Minh City. Ngoc is Vietnam's first known case of Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, a rare disease which ages the body so rapidly its victims die before they have barely experienced youth. Ngoc, who lives in Ho Chi Minh City, comes from a poverty-stricken family and local hospitals lack the means and expertise to treat her. Photo taken March 6. REUTERS
Progeria, the rapid premature aging in children
Progeria is a progressive genetic disorder that causes children to age rapidly, beginning in their first two years of life. sufferings.org
Progeria, the rapid premature aging in children
Nguyen Thi Ngoc, 13, reads a book at home in Ho Chi Minh City. Ngoc is Vietnam's first known case of Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, a rare disease which ages the body so rapidly its victims die before they have barely experienced youth. Ngoc, who lives in Ho Chi Minh City, comes from a poverty-stricken family and local hospitals lack the means and expertise to treat her. REUTERS
Progeria, the rapid premature aging in children
After being born a healthy looking baby, their height and weight suddenly fall below average for their age. Individuals generally retain normal mental and motor development. glogster.com
Aging Aging Medicine