17歳で年老いて

Press Association “Progeria campaigner Hayley Okines dies at 17” http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/apr/03/progeria-campaigner-hayley-okines-dies


英国サセックス州ベックスヒルに住む17歳の少女 Hayley Okinesが死す。彼女は一般人の8倍のスピードで老化が進むという「早老症(progeria)」*1を患っていた。記事に曰く、


Hayley and her family raised funds for her medical treatment and sought to improve public understanding of the condition. Hayley published an autobiography, Old Before My Time, at the age of 14.

Hundreds of comments have been left on Hayley’s Facebook paying tribute*2. Ann Morrison wrote: “Praying for the family and friends of Hayley. God bless you Hayley. Your positive outlook and willingness to share your life’s journey with us has been very much appreciated.”

映画『グーグーだって猫である』の劇中漫画である大島弓子の「八月に生まれる子供」*3を想起してしまうが、こちらの方はprogeriaとは別の病気であるウェルナー症候群*4