Posted on 04/14/2024 12:20:23 PM PDT by nickcarraway
Alma Gamongan has made headlines with her startling claim that her son's unique appearance, characterised by excessive facial and body hair, was a consequence of her pregnancy diet.
What does Jaren Gamongan suffer from?
According to Alma, she indulged in the consumption of a wild cat, a local delicacy, to satisfy intense cravings during her pregnancy with her son, Jaren Gamongan, now two years old.
The superstition surrounding Jaren's condition, commonly referred to as "werewolf syndrome", emerged from Alma's belief that her dietary choice had invoked a curse.
"I worry so much for him when it's time for him to go to school. He might get bullied for being different," said Alma. However, medical experts have debunked this notion, attributing Jaren's condition to hypertrichosis, an exceptionally rare syndrome affecting only a handful of individuals worldwide.
"'I blamed myself when he was born because of the cravings I had. I felt very guilty. But then, recently, the doctors told me it was not related," she added.
Jaren Gamongan's condition manifests in excessive hair growth Jaren's condition manifests in excessive hair growth across his face, neck, back, and arms, presenting unique challenges such as itchy rashes in hot weather.
Despite these difficulties, Jaren remains a cheerful and playful child.
Alma's journey took a turn when she sought professional medical advice, leading to the confirmation of Jaren's diagnosis by dermatologist Dr. Ravelinda Soriano Perez.
Dr. Perez emphasised that hypertrichosis is an inherited condition unrelated to Alma's dietary choices during pregnancy.
While hypertrichosis has no cure, treatments like laser hair removal offer hope for managing the symptoms.
Jaren Gamongan's condition has no treatment
"We will try to do ten sessions in four to six weeks and then observe," said Alma.
However, the financial burden of these treatments weighs heavily on Alma's family, with each session costing 2,500 Philippine Pesos (KSh 5758).
With assistance from compassionate individuals, Alma hopes to provide Jaren with the care and resources necessary for a fulfilling life, free from the stigma associated with his condition.
"I am very thankful to those who already helped us. I hope my son could have a better chance in life with your help," said the mum.
As the family navigates this challenging journey, they remain grateful for the outpouring of support and advocate for greater awareness and understanding of rare medical conditions.
What is 'werewolf syndrome'?
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology reports hypertrichosis as the term used for the growth of hair on any body part over the amount usually present in persons of the same age, race, and sex.
It is a rare condition that patients are born with or develop later in life. It excludes excessive hair caused by abnormally high levels of male hormones.
Throughout history, those afflicted have been a source of great interest and have performed in travelling circuses and freak shows.
Treatment options are limited, and therapy results are not always satisfactory. No single hair removal method is appropriate for all body locations or patients.
The one adopted will depend on the character, area, and amount of hair growth, as well as on the patient's age and personal preference.
Treatment methods include cosmetic procedures, bleaching, trimming, shaving, plucking, waxing, chemical depilatories, electrosurgical epilation, and hair removal using light sources and lasers.
Laser-assisted hair removal is the most efficient method of long-term hair removal.
Newborn baby with ample hair In a related story, a newborn baby with tremendous hair on its body went viral on YouTube.
In the video posted on the platform by @afterbirth, the child was shown just a few minutes after it emerged into the world. The video shows the child crying with its tiny voice, but the hair on its body overshadows everything.
The baby has plenty of hair on its arms, back and face. The child is endowed with hair from birth.
Even the hair on its head and eyebrows are longer than usual. The child melted many hearts on YouTube.
A Philippine Werewolf In Fashion .
Purrfectly dreadful reply.
Best pun yet.
I saw him drinkin a piña colada at Trader Vic’s.
and his hair was perfect!
5 O’clock shadow? Just REALLY BAD.
The REAL question is... does the kid crave/hate/chase cats?
Just baby fuzz.
Do they have circuses/side shows in the Philippines? If so, he would always be able to find work.
“Maybe, but I’ve never seen a boy wear a gathered neckline, even if put back up over the shoulders.”
Maybe he is “trans” Jaren?
Third World Beliefs, Third world Life.
Poor little kid.
Awwoooooooooooooh!
Best line from that song, too...in a song full of best lines...
I have NEVER heard of ANYONE eating CAT before??? I think your dad LIED to you!
What FREAKY nationality is she??
It’s not unheard of in China, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea and other places in the east.
He ate at a black man’s apartment and it was cat.
You don’t have to call him a liar, what a bizarre and nasty thing for you jump in with.
“In Africa, particularly in Cameroon, eating cat meat is associated with ceremonies believed to bring good luck. The consumption of cat meat in Asia shows significant regional variations. For example, in China cat meat is considered a warming food during winter months, although it is not widely consumed across the country.”
“Italian food writer Beppe Bigazzi mentioned that during the famine in World War II, cat stew was a “succulent” and well-known dish in his home area of Valdarno, Tuscany.”
“The Associated Press reported in 2008 that people in southern China’s Guangdong province (population just over 113 million) ate 10,000 cats per day. In Guangdong, cat meat is a main ingredient in the traditional dish “dragon, tiger, phoenix” (snake, cat, chicken), which is said to fortify the body.”
“Cat meat is a traditional protein consumed in the diet of the Irula people of southern India.”
“Indigenous Australians in the area of Alice Springs roast feral cats on an open fire. They have also developed recipes for cat stew. Some other inhabitants of the area have also taken up this custom, justified on the grounds that felines are “a serious threat to Australia’s native fauna”.”
“United States
In December 2018, the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act of 2018 was signed into federal law, making the commercial slaughter and trade of cat meat illegal and punishable by a fine of $5,000, except as part of Native American religious ceremonies. Previous to that bill, consuming cat meat was legal in 44 states.”
Now, you have gone too fur....
😁
So sorry....but that is the FIRST time I’ve ever heard of eating CAT!! I’ve been in 96 countries and NO ONE has ever said that their people eat CAT! Pleanty of DOG eaters, but CATS?? OMG!
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