Im aging 10 times faster than normal because of a rare disease but getting older is a privilege

A woman living with a one-in-a-million disease which makes her age 10 times faster than the average person says aging is a “privilege.”Tiffany Wedekind, 47, was only diagnosed with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome at age 31.She had already defied the odds as the syndrome kills most people in their teens.Over time Tiffany has gradually lost all her natural hair and teeth and has aortic stenosis and will eventually need a aortic valve replaced.But she says it hasn’t stopped her living life to the full – she got a divorce, started her own businesses and does daily yoga to stay in good health.Tiffany, who has her own artist studio and candle company, from Columbus, Ohio, US, said: “My mortality is in my face everyday.“But I forget half the time.“I’ve lived several lifetimes in a life that wasn’t expected for me.“I know life can end just like that.“You don’t have to be afraid of it [death].“We’re all on the same boat.“I’m not afraid to show myself bald and toothless.“People need to see I am who I am to the core.It doesn’t matter that I don’t have hair.“I am who I am despite the fact I am withering away.”Tiffany and her brother, Chad, 39, were both born with the condition but only started to become aware something was wrong when they each hit puberty.She was a “hyper kid” who tried out all the sports and activities as a child.They started to notice their facial features were changing – Tiffany’s teeth were decaying and her hair was thinning out by her 20s.The disease is also characterized by their small stature – with Tiffany standing at just 4-foot-4-inches tall.Tiffany said: “Growing up my teeth – I always had issues with my teeth.“I went through a lot of trauma.“It was physically hard to eat at times.” Stay up on the very latest with Evening Update.

Please provide a valid email address.By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privac...