Tiffany Wedekind, 41, is living with progeria, a rare genetic condition that causes her to age much faster than most people. Diagnosed at 20, sheâs one of the oldest known individuals with this condition, which typically shortens life expectancy drastically.
Often referred to as âBenjamin Buttonâ syndrome, progeria affects just one in 50 million people. While many children with progeria don’t survive beyond 12 years, Tiffany has defied those odds.
Her life is full of challenges, including tooth decay, hair loss, heart issues, and a low body weight. However, Tiffany leads a full and active life as a director of a cleaning company and runs a candle-making business.
Motivated by the loss of her brother Chad, who passed away from progeria at 39, Tiffany continues to live boldly, enjoying yoga, dancing, socializing, and traveling, even with the constant reminder of her condition.
Dr. Kim McBride, a geneticist who has treated Tiffany for years, describes her as “a special case.” Typically, progeria presents in childhood, but Tiffanyâs diagnosis came much later. Despite her health struggles, Tiffany stays positive and resilient, saying, âI donât consider my case a phenomenon. I am who I am, and I live like everyone else.â
