I'm not even sure what to make of this. All I know is that it's weird as hell. Well, would you believe me if I told you that this toddler is actually a 20-year-old woman? Of course, you wouldn't! I wouldn't believe me either!
The truth is this is 20-year-old Brooke Greenberg of Reistertown, Maryland. She passed away last week, but her life puzzled the medical field for years because she looked and acted like a toddler for every one of those 20 years. Her extremely rare condition would eventually become known as "Syndrome X." How appropriate!
In the womb, Brooke would not develop one month and play catch-up the next, but that stopped around the age of 5 when all development stopped for her. Brooke was born a month early at just four pounds with a rare condition--anterior hip dislocation. She needed surgery because her dislocated hips pushed her forward and put her legs in an awkward position. The family realized something was wrong as Brooke's younger sister aged past her, so they brought her to see many different specialists in search of answers. Her condition, however, baffled all of them.
Doctors told the Greenbergs to prepare for Brooke's death several times. They even picked out a casket and clothing for her funeral many years ago. Scientists have studied Brooke's DNA in hopes to learn more about human aging and extending youth. I'm sure no one will complain if they found a way to keep us younger. Brooke reportedly developed a strong sense of individual identity later in life, enjoyed hugs and loved her parents and sisters. Her family said that she loved football claiming the Baltimore Ravens as her team. Brooke was buried this past weekend.
Like I said, I don't know what to make of this. I do know that if these doctors were studying her because she looked young, then they might want to examine me as well. I'm a 40-year-old male, everyone thinks is in is 20s or 30s. Damn, I must look good for my age! Is anyone else not buying the fact that this little girl was really 20-years-old?
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