Hayley Okines

Hayley Okines

Hayley Okines (3 December 1997 – 2 April 2015) was a British activist known for her work in raising awareness about progeria, a rare genetic condition that causes accelerated aging in children. She was often referred to as the "100-year-old teenager" due to her appearance and the effects of the condition.

Early Life

Hayley Okines was born in Arrington, Cambridgeshire, England. She was diagnosed with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome at the age of two. Despite her condition, Hayley led an active life and became a prominent figure in the fight against progeria.

Activism and Public Life

Hayley Okines became a well-known advocate for progeria awareness. She participated in various documentaries and television programs to educate the public about the condition. Her story was featured in the documentary "Extraordinary People: The 100-Year-Old Teenager," which aired on Channel 5 in the UK.

Hayley also co-authored an autobiography titled "Old Before My Time," which detailed her experiences living with progeria. The book was published in 2011 and received widespread attention.

Medical Treatment

Hayley Okines was one of the first children to receive treatment with a drug called lonafarnib, which was part of a clinical trial aimed at slowing down the effects of progeria. The treatment showed promising results and contributed to the development of further research in the field.

Legacy

Hayley Okines passed away on 2 April 2015 at the age of 17. Her life and activism left a lasting impact on the progeria community and inspired many to support research and awareness efforts. The Progeria Research Foundation continues to work towards finding a cure for the condition.

See Also

• Progeria
• Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome
• Progeria Research Foundation
• Lonafarnib