13-Year-Old Looks 50

Only about 2,000 people around the world have this disorder.
Zara Hartshorn suffers from lipodystrophy, a syndrome that causes the supporting fatty tissue under the skin to crumble even while the skin continues to grow, often at an alarming rate. Two of her siblings and her mother also have the disease.
This morning, the "Today" show featured her story:
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Our hearts go out to Zara Hartshorn and her family.
Ten Tees January 9, 2011, 10:52 AM
Good information. Good and fun reading. There’s a small opinion to make about t-shirts.
advertisement







I had never heard of this disorder until today, but I can just about imagine the trouble Zara goes through. Teens today have enough trouble with self image as it is, even when they look very youthful. I personally know how cruel teens can be, and I am sure are in this case. I would suggest to Zara and her family to homeschool. The children are old enough that they could easily do a program such as Switched on Schoolhouse on the computer that would allow them to focus on and have fun learning rather than trying to constantly avoid all the mean comments. I think it would be horrible to know that you are going to go to school every day and be ridiculed. I think homeschooling would be a godsend to Zara and her family. I will be praying for you and your family, Zara!