19-Year Old Woman Who Suffered From A Rare Disease Called Progeria, An Aging Disease, Had Already Died

Rochelle Pondare, a 19-year old woman who suffered from a rare disease called progeria, an aging disease, had already died, according to a US-based foundation doing research on the illness.

Two years before her death, doctors said Rochelle had the appearance of 136-year old due to progeria. According to Progeria Research Foundation (PRF), most progeria patients die at 14-years old, making Rochelle one of the few exceptions to the trend. 

Korina Sanchez, host for her show "Rated K", had able to interview Rochelle. She shared photos of Rochelle's birthday party last year. According to Korina: "Rochelle had an unusually happy and hopeful disposition. She even got her debut party. For her 18th birthday she wished she could at least help her mother and leave a home for them behind knowing she could leave them anytime soon."

"We were able to make her dream come true thanks to the housing development company Lumina. A small home for her mother and siblings," Korina added.

Aside from Rochelle's appearance on "Rated K," she was also featured on ABS-CBN's "Kapamilya Thank You" campaign, where she was visited by Sarah Geronimo, Rochelle's idol.

Source: ABS-CBN