Brooke Greenberg, 12, weighs 13 pounds and is 27 inches long. Posted on 05/13/2005 10:41:01 AM PDT by LibWhacker
BALTIMORE -- Imagine being frozen in time as a baby forever. It sounds impossible, but it describes Brooke Greenberg.
The Baltimore-area girl may look like a baby, but she's nearly a teenager. In most respects, Brooke looks and acts like your average 6-month-old baby -- she weighs 13 pounds and she is 27 inches long.
Brooke Greenberg, 12, weighs 13 pounds and is 27 inches long.
But Brooke is actually 12 years old, reported WBAL-TV in Baltimore.
Brooke doesn't age. Her syndrome remains undiagnosed and unnamed, and as far as doctors can tell, she is the only one in the world who has it.
Dr. Laurence Pakula has been Brooke's pediatrician since she was born.
"In height, weight, she's 6 to 12 months," Pakula said. "If you ask any physician who knows nothing about her, the response is that she is maybe a handicapped 2-year-old."
Her body may not be aging, but Brooke's health is deteriorating. She is fed through a tube, and she's had strokes, seizures, ulcers, severe respiratory problems and a tumor the size of a lemon.
The four times Brooke has come dangerously close to death, she bounced back and no one knows why.
Pakula points out that the girl has a strong sense of self and of sibling rivalry. Brooke has no language skills, but she does have enough motor skills to pull herself up in her crib or scoot across the kitchen floor.
Pakula said Brooke has thrived because of the support of her parents and three sisters.
"When one sees how much she has accomplished, it's a wonderful reminder that even for someone who's limited, it's a wonderful world out there," Pakula said.
As genetic research expands, scientists might be able to learn the secrets of this little girl. But until then, it is Brooke who is doing the teaching.
Good thought on cells not aging... check the telomeres.
You beat me to the punch again, Laz (as usual!), lol.
But first, the tronya. (That's Clint Howard, btw.)
Seriously, God bless this little girl and her family.
I know what you meant, I was just pointing out that there are others who seem to have the exact opposite condition. Their mentality developed normaly, they acted like an 8 and 12 year old would, but their bodies were aging rapidly.
Classic Letterman joke:
Scientists in France this week finally deciphered the meaning of cave art drawn by Cro Magnon man about 40,000 years ago. According to their translation it says, "Wow, that Dick Clark sure looks young."
>>>I doubt it. It's more likely that her 'grow up' mechanism failed, but that the normal cellular disruptions that are associated with the ravages of time will continue apace.>>
Although I doubt she is immortal, they did state she had been in the verge of death and had pulled through for no apparent reason. Curious, very curious.
It sounds like both her physical and mental development came to a screeching halt at six months. Can't even talk.
But who would want to be a perpetual baby?
Hey, did they model that baby doll/costume after that little kid in Andy Griffith that was always eating PB&J sandwiches? I think it was Ron Howards brother in real life.
If it turns out that the price of living forever is that you never grow up either, I'm not so sure it's worth it ;)
Humor is always based on a modicum of truth. Have you ever heard a joke about a father-in-law?
What a crock you are spewing. Show me one post from any person anywhere on the planet earth that has recommmended starving her. It has never happened anywhere except in your head.
No one on this thread (through post 71) has even mentioned cost EXCEPT YOU.
In my book, you are the shameful one, intent on exploiting every medical situation outside the norm as another Terri Schiavo situation. Disgusting.
There must be something different between this case and your cousin's. I could see a single doctor missing the diagnosis, but apparently this little girl has been looked at by a number of doctors and they've never seen anything quite like it.
Rolling Stones concert?
We do live in a patriarchal society.
>>>I had a cousin with whatever disease this is. He was 12 or something when he died but looked and acted like a slow 2 year old. It was quite sad although he was a good kid.>>>
You should get your aunt and uncle to contact this family and their doctors. It seems they think she is the first and maybe they can compare medical records and help this little girl or someone else later.
They won't be able to...yet. This child's family is committed to her wellbeing. I find it amazing that she has had serious health concerns, but so far has bounced back.
The part of Balok the ever-so-slowly-aging alien was played by Clint Howard, brother of Ronnie Howard.
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