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 | Dan DeLong / P-I | |
Seth Cook was born with a disorder that has left him 11 years old going on 80, but that hasn't stopped him from living a boy's life in Darrington, a small mountain town in Snohomish County.
Seth has progeria, a rare disease that accelerates aging. Only seven children have the disease in the United States. In the century since it was discovered, just a handful of children with the disorder have lived to reach age 21. Most are claimed by strokes or heart attacks in their early teens.
Living with progeria reveals its own insights about growing old. To find out what we could learn from a child who is aging faster than the rest of us, reporter Carol Smith and photographer Dan DeLong spent 11 months following Seth and his family.
P-I Special Report:
Lessons from a boy growing old before his time
Most of the time, Seth doesn't think about getting old. He has more important things on his mind, like scheming to get a dog, or earning money for new electronic gadgets. But sometimes the specter of aging intrudes on his world. Read Seth's story...
Finding the progeria gene opens doors to possible cure
In April of last year, scientists discovered the genetic mutation that causes progeria, a finding that could reveal new insights into the normal aging process as well.
For one week, a chance to feel normal
Once every year, families of children with progeria gather for support, camaraderie and fun.
- Read about Seth's experience at this year's reunion
Reader response: Seth 'touched our hearts'
In the first week after this report was published, we've received more than 200 e-mail and voice-mail messages from readers who were moved by Seth Cook's story.