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Ashanti Elliot Smith is a seven year old in mind and spirit. Her body, however aging at such a rapid rate that by the time she is 10 her bones will be that of a 70 year old.
She is one of only 52 people in the world suffering from a rare disease called Hutchinson Gilford Progeria Syndrome that has reduced her life expectancy to 13.
She understands her condition but we don't talk to her about the prognosis as we don't want to scare her," her mother Phoebe, 24, told NOTW
Ashanti's younger sister Brandi-Lou remains unaffected by the disease.
Despite the obstacles she faces, Ashanti remains an upbeat, happy little girl.
"If other children stare at her, Ashanti just smiles and says 'It's because I'm beautiful'," her mom says.
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