Ontlametse Phalatse

Progeria sufferer, Ontlametse Phalatse, is the only known black female born with the extremely rare premature ageing disease. The 12-year-old lives in Hebron, near Pretoria, South Africa. Twice a year Phalatse flies to Boston University's Progeria Research Foundation in the U.S. where scientists are trying to find a cure for the condition.

Section:Gallery

Wed., Sept. 14, 2011

In this photo taken Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011 progeria sufferer Ontlametse Phalatse is photographed at her home in Hebron, near Pretoria, South Africa. 12-year-old Phalatse, who resembles an ageing woman, is the only known black female born with the extremely rare premature ageing disease.

Denis Farrell Associated Press
In this photo taken Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011 progeria sufferer Ontlametse Phalatse, is photographed with her mother Bella at the front door of their home in Hebron, near Pretoria, South Africa. 12-year-old Phalatse, resembles an ageing woman and is the only known black female born with the extremely rare premature ageing disease. Twice a year Phalatse flies to Boston University's Progeria Research Foundation in the U.S. where scientists are trying to find a cure for the condition.

Denis Farrell Associated Press
In this photo taken Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011 progeria sufferer Ontlametse Phalatse, is photographed in her "Hannah Montana" bedroom after a day at school. in Hebron, near Pretoria, South Africa. The bedroom was created for her by "Reach For A Dream Foundation" which fullfills the dreams of children suffering from terminal illnesses. Phalatse resembles an ageing woman and is the only known black female born with the extremely rare premature ageing disease. Twice a year Phalatse flies to Boston University's Progeria Research Foundation in the U.S. where scientists are trying to find a cure for the condition.

Denis Farrell Associated Press
In this photo taken Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011 progeria sufferer Ontlametse Phalatse, right, is photographed at her desk as her best friend Katlego Mathabe, left, reaches down to her level during classes at the Lorato Primary School in Hebron, near Pretoria, South Africa. 12-year-old Phalatse, who resembles an ageing woman and is half the size of her classmates, is the only known black female born with the extremely rare premature ageing disease.

Denis Farrell Associated Press
In this photo taken Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011 progeria sufferer Ontlametse Phalatse, front, reads to the class during reading lessons at the Lorato Primary School in Hebron, near Pretoria, South Africa. 12-year-old Phalatse, who resembles an ageing woman and is half the size of her classmates, is the only known black female born with the extremely rare premature ageing disease. Twice a year Phalatse flies to Boston University's Progeria Research Foundation in the U.S. where scientists are trying to find a cure for the condition.

Denis Farrell Associated Press
In this photo taken Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011, progeria sufferer Ontlametse Phalatse stands on a desk surrounded by her classmates at the Lorato Primary School in Hebron, near Pretoria, South Africa. 12-year-old Phalatse, who resembles an ageing woman, is the only known black female born with the extremely rare premature ageing disease. Twice a year Phalatse flies to Boston University's Progeria Research Foundation in the U.S. where scientists are trying to find a cure for the condition.

Denis Farrell Associated Press
In this photo taken Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011 progeria sufferer Ontlametse Phalatse, left, arrives home from school followed by her mother Bella, right, in Hebron, near Pretoria, South Africa. 12-year-old Phalatse, who resembles an ageing woman and is half the size of her classmates, is the only known black female born with the extremely rare premature ageing disease. Twice a year Phalatse flies to Boston University's Progeria Research Foundation in the U.S. where scientists are trying to find a cure for the condition.

Denis Farrell Associated Press