On September 25, a baby boy was born in Bangladesh with a hairy back and the rough, wrinkled skin of an 80 year old man. Doctors say the newborn suffers from a disorder called “progeria.”
The rare condition affects only one in four million people and causes rapid, irreversible aging of the body. The baby’s unusual appearance has garnered worldwide attention, with many offering condolences to the family.
However, the mother and father say they are not bothered at all by their son’s looks. The baby’s father, Bisjawit Padro, said, “We can only thank God. There is no need to be unhappy about the appearance of my son.
We will accept him the way he is.” In fact, said Bisjawit, “My boy looks like me, and I am happy.” Patients suffering from progeria rarely live past the age of 13. However, the boy’s parents insist they will not harbor fear or regret.
“We are so happy to have a baby boy in the house,” said Bisjawit.
“We are already blessed to have a daughter. Now we are a family of four. What else can we ask.” While some have flocked to social media to express shock and disgust, many others have made an effort to offer their support.
One Facebook user wrote, “He is a angel and even though he doesn’t look like the rest of us, he has a purpose, he is special, if he were my baby, I would fight to the ends of the earth for him.”
