My heart goes out to this little boy and family. You are all in my prayers.

My heart goes out to this little boy and his family. Sometimes we dont know why things happen, but GOD is under control. I’ll be praying for him and his family. JESUS Heals.

IS THERE A POSSIBILITY THAT DHEA OR A DIET WITH SEAWOOD WOULD HELP SLOW DOWN THE PROCESS OF THE DISEASE?

This child is so precious! God certainly has something good in store for little Zach. He is in my prayers each day and I also am praying for this family of Zach’s to have faith in God to help through all of your difficult days ahead. Enjoy each second with Zach and how fortunate you are to have such a special child.

I read your story on the internet. It’s heartbreaking and you have my most sincere sympathy! If there is anything I can do, please let me know. Scott

sad!:(

God will be there for him.My heart goes out to there family and all the other family’s that have a child with the disease.God is able to help.God can help.God will help.Bless that family and all the others.

My heart goes out to Zach and his family, I’ll be praying for him from now on, may God heal him in a miracle way.

He is indeed a special little boy and his parents are truly blessed…of course they are all blessed to have each other. Live life as if it were you last day and never have regrets.

My heart goes out to this family. My 13 mo boy was born with a pneumothorax and that was extremely difficult for us to deal with at the time. Any time I feel that we had to go through a lot, I think of families like this. May God bless little Zach with a happy, healthy life — however extended or confined it may be.

I have heard that cases like this make some little children look like they’re in their twenties.
Horrible disease….

The best we can do is to contribute to find a cure and pray.

And my guess is, that there is a good possibility that an immunization vaccine like MMR or something medically induced in mother or child may be the culprit. Depending on the markers or gene expression, anything foreign administered into the body usually results in something immunological, like autism, cancer, dermatitis, asthma, the list is endless. Something administered turned this on!

I had a childhood friend that had the “aging” disease. I am not sure if this is the same condition or not. I know that my friend Andy was a joy to be around even as a young boy. He lived near my grandparents and we spent many summers together doing a lot of typical boy stuff. I pray that the peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding gives you strength.

Know that you are in our family’s prayers daily and remember not to give up hope – God always has a plan for our lives. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 – ask and you shall receive, knock and the door shall be opened, seek and you shall find.

Thank God for every day with this child, for each one is truly a gift.
Let us all pray for a cure.
God bless you Zach.

POOR BABY WahHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Since all the parents of these children have access to each other through the internet, and since there are so few living presently with this disease, has anyone ventured to draw up horiscopes for each of these victims? I am convinced that, due to its extreme rareness, it might be a detectable similarity of planetary configurations and the negative aspects that occur in these “birth maps” of the unfortunate victimes that might reveal some interesting comparisons. I realize that the “extablished” scientific community would not take such a suggestion seriously, but perhaps the parents of these children might consider it worthwhile looking into. It certainly cannot harm anyone to attempt such an approach. It could lead to some unlikely breakthrough in coming to the conclusion that we are all connected to the solar system we live in and that the cosmos and its fluctuations can effect individual lives. Just a suggestion, since I have had this thought about this Progeria disease for some time now. If the parents of such children are privy to the comments you asked for, I would appreciate the effort to forward this suggestion to each of them and let them decide if they would like to participate. They would have to sbmit the place (country, city, town) the child was born along with the year, month, day and exact moment of birth (as accurately as possible) to make the above mentioned comparisons. The best astrologer (seriously respected) should be considered to do the charts and analysis’.

I do sympathize with the families of these “special” children and of course I feel deeply for the difficult destinies these children and these families have to face.

Any untried approach to solve the “Mystery” of this rare disease is worth a try, in my humble opinion!

LOOK AT THAT BEAUTIFUL PICTURE, A FAMILY FULL OF LOVE, PEACE AND JOY, TURE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT…BUT THE GREATEST IS LOVE. GOD DOESNT MAKE MISTAKES, ONLY BEAUITFUL FAMILIES WITH LOVING ARMS, BUT WHEN ONE MEMBER OF THE FAMLIY HURTS, WE ALL HURT.
SO WE ALL HAVE A SPECIAL OPPERTUNITY TO PRAY. GOD BLESS YOU ALL

Saddens me as I read about this little boy and his present condition, also saddens me as I read comments left by readers. How can anyone make argumentive comments on here on such a sensitive article.
How can people be so insensitive as to argue, bash, and run each other down as to their differences in feelings in regards to a boy who has a sickness, can you not know in your mind that this family is also reading these comments, and, I’m sure reading some of your comments is making it more difficult in their life for them during an already difficult time, a little compassion for the family and situation please, also maturity.

My heart and prayers go out to this family. Jesus never gives us more that we can handle. He has a plan for this little boy and this family. So keep your faith and prayers strong. Because Jesus is control. With this story, the whole country is praying for you. God Bless you & your family.

Know that so many are praying for you and hoping the best. God bless little Zach and his family. Shame on Andrew who wrote on this site it was a vaccine or something that caused this. It is not the families fault, and you have absolutely know idea, it is most UNLIKELY that would have had anything to do with it. I’m sure they are going through enough, but to have to put up with people like you just takes the cake.

My mother had bi-polar disorder, and it surfaced very badly after she had her first child. Her entire family blamed my dad for her problems. It had to be his fault, when in fact, he stood by her, took care of her, and certainly wasn’t to blame for anything – if anything he was the only normalcy in her life. My sister was born with scoliosis and a heart defect in 1959. I suppose that was caused by my family or a vaccinne too – NOT.

Best wishes to the family again, and know that no one believes the nuttyness and cruelty of someone like Andrew, blaming you for this is absolutly proposterous. God Bless you all.

You guys are definitely in my prayers. God bless that Zach and God bless his family!
Jeremy Hall

I have been doing research for five years on a condition. It could have a bearing on this case. I’d like to ask them a couple of questions.

Have all the parents of these “special children” consider comparison horicopes done by a truly reputable astrologer to perhaps detect a similar planetary configuration with similar aspects that might answer some of the mystery connected with this rare condition. It might not be a great consolation to find there is an established pattern, but it could lead to some medical breakthrough to offer some new herbal remedies/ or even established pharmaceutical remedies containing therapies involving metals (all connected with the planets). It could lesson the degree of suffering these unfortunate victims have to endure.

God does not give us more than we can handle…and I think God has special plans for Zach and his family. God will provide and this family will be happy and strong.
God Bless you Zach & your family. I will keep you all in my prayers.
A strong family is a blessing from the Lord.

I would like to thank Fox News for taking the time for doing this story as I have a 3 1/2 year old son who also has Hutchinson Guilford progeria sydrome, its awesome that the word is getting out about this rare disease and to educate people about it. Hopefully one day we will get to meet through the foundation. My prayers are with you…

This is so sad. I like to see how happy the family is with him though. I am sure it is hard but to see that little boy happy is one of the best things that family probably enjoys. My heart goes out to your family and friends. Hopefully they will find a cure someday.

I HOPE HE GETS BETTER!!!! HE WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS!! LIVE LIFE HOW YOU WOULD IF HE WAS OK!!!! GOD WILL HELP HIM THROUGH!!!!!!!!!!!

What a beautiful boy. He truly is an angel here on earth. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family.

God doesn’t make mistakes…..and he is certainly capable of healing little Zach and that will remain to be our prayer! May you enjoy every second God gives you with your son! God Bless you and your family.

I’m so sorry Mr. and Mrs. Pickard, you and your beautiful baby boy Zach will be in my families prayers. It sure could teach us all a lesson to never ever take anything for granted in our lives!

Zach is being treated by one of the best Dermatologist in America, I believe. Dr. Lucky and her husband Dr. Paul Lucky, who is also a Dermatologist worked on me with mole issues in my childhood. They are the best Derm Docs in the country, and I am sure Zach is being well cared for.

God bless you and your family

This reminds me of the young men I have buried well before their years.(two tour combat vet)

My advice, live for every day, you can never say I love you too much, take pictures often of everyday happenings, laugh every time you can, cry when you need to, fight it until the end, never give up hope, surround yourself with family and friends.

In the words of a poet…

“Out of the night that covers me,
black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be.
For my unconquerable soul.”

Though your body is weak, your soul is that of a giant, it will take great strength to live this, and God in his wisdom has given it to a soul strong enough to face it.

If we were all as strong as you, this world would be a better place

In 1987*, I wrote an article on slow maturity of ancient children. Nobody believed me. In 1998 I wrote a book “Buried Alive” on slow maturity in ancient children, rapid maturity and growth in modern children based on my Neanderthal research. Some people believed me. Many opposed me because if we came from apes we had to be slowing down, not speeding up. And the ape-people’s opinion held sway.

I stated that in the future children will grow older quicker as a result of this secular trend. Now, sadly it is rare but beginning to happen along with increased premature puberty. We could do something about this if approached in a non-evolutionary model. Now, we can do nothing as long as Darwinists control the purse strings of scientific research. An institute dedicated to this maturation problem looking at it from a perfection, Fall of man, degeneration worldview would be a blessing to mankind.

* Cuozzo JW. Earlier orthodontic intervention: a view from prehistory. [Historical Article. Journal Article] Journal of the New Jersey Dental Association. 58(4):33-40, 1987 Autumn.
UI: 3329220

I am from Shelbyville….only a few miles from Frankfort. I haven’t every heard about Zach though. My heart goes out to him and the family. He’s an adorable little man.

This is a sad story and what makes it worse is by the crazy Christian right making comments about Jesus and adding scripture quotes. God has nothing to do with this, open your eyes and see that. This child has a disease that will kill him and the only thing that can help is by contributing to the cause of trying to find a cure. I am glad you are praying for him, thinking about him, but thats not going to get the job done. Donate, write your local paper, educate the people around you, that’s what will help. All the best to Zach and his family…… I am sure something can and will be done!

I had twins 3 and half years ago and was told that 1 of my boys had this disease. My little boy looked 10 when he was 1 day old. His faced was definetely defined like a very mature little guy and he also had alot of skin problems. Today you would have no idea that this kid once looked 10 times his age. Maybe you should just give it some time, it may where off or maybe it was mis diagnosis. I’m telling you that my little boys chest looked like he was lifting weights he was like the incredible hulk and he only weighed 6 pounds. If it does turn out that he does actually have the disease then ALWAYS REMEMBER God makes NO mistakes. One last thing is ALWAYS KEEP A SMILE ON YOUR FACE because You may only be 1 person to the whole world, but You may be the WHOLE WORLD to 1 person and that 1 PERSON could be the little man that God put in your life. I will pray for Gods will to happen GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY

Zach is a very special boy.

We could only hope to live with the kind of enthusiasm he has.

Miracles happen.

I bet that little booger blesses many people’s lives. You can see an inherent joy in his smile.

Whatever the future holds for this little boy one thing is certain. He will be adored as that is plain to see from the picture!

Some people need to give up on blaming vaccinations for everything. My whole family has been vaccinated for everything and we are all perfectly healthy. The biggest thing we had was chicken pox when we were younger. Progeria is not caused by vaccinations and neither is autism or anything else than stricken a young person with a horrible disease or illness. If you read the article it said that they have now learned that Progeria is caused by a mutated gene. Now that they have discovered what causes it maybe they can find a cure or even a way to prevent it from happening to another innocent child.

Brownstown Electric Supply Co., Inc. will be hosting a 5K run/walk on Saturday May 10th 2008 at 9:00am in Brownstown, Indiana for Zach. All proceeds will be given to the Progeria Research Foundation to help find a cure. For more race information individuals can contact Brownstown Electric at (800)742-8492 or visit us on the web at http://www.brownstown.com

Thank you for your time.

Our family also uses Dr. Lucky. She is wonderful. We wish you the best.

Zach is a precious baby. I hope you all have the strength and faith to get through this and I hope and pray he defies all odds. Enjoy this precious time that you all have together.

Wow, what a cute, cute little boy. I can only imagine how scared those parents must be, but you can see what joy that little guy brings to that family and what a blessing he is. My prayers are with them.

This is more proof that there is no God – as if we needed it.

oh its so sad i hope all goes well

soooooooo sad hope everything goes well……….sincerely.. Nona

Where can I send donations? Do you have a bank account set up for it. Please let me know how I can help. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

In this day age of winers – this little boy should be a source of inspiration to us all and a message to “shut up” to those that continue to cry : “whoa is me”. Try walking in his shoes or those of his parents

Our hope and prayers are with Zach and his family. In Christ there always remains hope.

Jon and Sandi

The story is heartbreaking as are any of these stories. BUT, from a journalistic point of view, does it make sense to use the terms ‘courageous’ or ‘battles’ as the headline? A 13 month old doesn’t have the opportunity to be ‘courageous’ nor the mental and physical capacity to ‘battle’, though he could very well come to earn those description as he grows up. Real courage is when there is a choice and you make the most selfless one.

I only bring this up because I’m getting weary of terms such as ‘courage’ or ‘bravery’ misused on such a regular basis. For instance, a soldier, every soldier, is brave because he chose his profession, not because he got shot, attacked or nearly killed. Being a victim doesn’t make you brave unless you rise above it and do something extraordinary when others wouldn’t. I’m also weary of ‘action’ words used to over describe stories in an emotional or sensationalist manner, such as saying that a family was ’slaughtered’ rather than ‘murdered’. This is a detour from journalistic integrity and intellectual honesty and it cheapens the words when they are truly appropriate.

I don’t know if it will help to think of it, but having lost my Grandmother suddenly, what hurts me so much is not having had time to even see her. To let her know one last time that I loved her. To just have her know I was there, giving her the support of my caring.

It’s harder to live through, I think, having to know that you are going to lose someone dear to you, but if they do pass, I think it might be a source of comfort, to know you had time to make sure that person knew you cared, maybe even to know you contributed to better that person’s quality of life.

I don’t know if it’s useful at all, but it’s all I have to give and I hope it helps you a little during a terrible time in your lives.

My thoughts and prayers will be with your family.

PS Please have pity on the idiots, that they have no room in their hearts for others.

THIS IS A VERY SAD STORY. THE BOYS FAMILY HAS A RIGHT TO WORRY. BUT THEY WILL GET TIME WITH THEIR SON . MY 1ST SON WAS STILL BORN. I HAD 1 HR. WITH JOHNATHON, BEFORE I BURIED HIM. ALSO MY YOUNGER SIS] DIED AT AGE 3, WHEN I WAS 11, FROM AN INHERIED BLOOD DISEASE, MY PARENTS NEVER DEALT WITH IT.

SO JUST LOVE & ENJOY ANY PRECIOUS TIME, WITH LOVED ONES.

PAUL HENDERSON

Hi
I am a father of 2 healty and loving teenage kids and I thank God every day for their health and safety. The parents of kids with progeria must be the strongest and loving people in the world!! I have seen T.V. specials on these kids and it breaks your heart to see them and what they go through….but on the other hand I have not seen any complaints from the kids themselves!!!! They are increadible humans because of the rarity of this syndrome and their BEAUTIFUL spirits and lack of complaints!!! We could all learn alot from these very special children!! GOD love em!!

Allison….their 20’s?? It makes them look like they are in their 60’s or 70’s! If you read the article you will notice that it says they age at 8 to 10 times the normal rate. These children at the age of 8 look like little old people.
I hope the family can keep a positive outlook, however, because some of these people have lived past the age of 30…and who knows what cure could be developed in the coming years!

He’s our precious little angel!! We love him with all our hearts and enjoy him so much(and spoil him as much as we can). He’s such a delight to be with. Hes actually from Lexington not Frankfort. It was in the Frankfort paper because we had pancake breakfast fundraiser at a Applebees there and raised $3800 for Progeria Research Foundation in Boston. We are having another breakfast in Lexington May 17 at Applesbees on Harrodsburg Road. There is also a walk in Brownstown, Indiana on May 10. Thanks everybody for all the comments, support and prayers!!!

I will be praying for you and your family Zach.

He looks like such a happy little boy and he is very cute. Believe in miracles, they happen everyday. May god watch over your family. I hope they can find some treatment and a cure for this disease. It is so hard to see a child go through that. Zach and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

I have a son who turns one year old tomorrow. I can’t imagine what Zach’s parents are going through. I started crying as soon as I read the story. I couldn’t imagine and I pray everyday that my son will live a long healthy happy life. You all will be in my prayers. Good luck and try to stay strong.

I just want the family to know, that my heart goes out to you and little Zach. I know you are expecting the worse, but enjoy every second with that child! Who knows, maybe they will come out with a cure, or perhaps and miracle will come. Whatever the outcome, remember that you will all grow stronger in the end.

This little fella is a gift from God. We all have a reason for being here, Zack has a very important one. He will surely effect many people in his life.

God gave you this precious child ” Zach ” and no matter how short or long the stay will be……..he is one of Gods precious angels and he will look after him hear on earth and in heaven.Our beloved father has given this precious child to his beloved parents and family. To believe ……….is to see…….to see………is everlasting ………how wonderful the power of God is in times…………that we call upon him. I and many others in this beautiful world will pray for your beloved son Zack. Never lose your faith, The Carman Family

God bless you & your precious family! My little grandson, Seth Cook, just went to Heaven in June 2007 because of Progeria. Seth was a rare treasure as I know you see Zach is. God surely does hand-pick the wonderful people to be the proud parents of such little lights! I only wish more of the people in our world could experience the sweet innocence of these progeria children! I will pray for you.

Hello my name is Pete.This is a very touching story.I will say a prayer for little Zach.God bless.

THIS IS A FAMILY THAT REALLY NEEDS TO CHECK INTO STEM CELL RESEARCH.. ANYTHING TO HELP THIS LITTLE BOY.

It is tragic and heartbreaking.My thoughts and prayers are with Zack and his parents.

I have a 14 month old daughter and I just cannot imagine what this family is going through! What a brave little boy! My heart goes out to you and your family, and I will keep you in my prayers!!!

hi, i am a mom of three and my prayers go out to the family.Zach is a very cute little boy.May he live a full and happy life..

I have a 14 month old daughter and I just cannot imagine what you are going through! What a brave little boy! My heart goes out to you and your family and I will keep you in my prayers!

This is so heartwrenching. Poor little Angel. God will take him home and the precious little guy wont have to deal with some of the hard things in life as an adult. I hope and pray he is not, nor will be in pain. I dont know why this stuff happens, but we all lose loved ones. I dont even know Zach, but I know I love his little brave soul.

God is awesome! None of us are stuck in this miserable body forever, but have a new body in the resurection! God does not cause this to children, but living in a sinful imperfect world that is seperated from God does. This is not something to hate God for, but to hate the earthly effects of sin. This is explained in Pauls letter to the Romans chapter 5. Your son will be for eternity in the prescence of the Lord, that is the gift of a loving God. This life is to learn and know the effects of disobedience to God even by those who have not sinned who have to pay the penalty. The “good news” is all of us have to abide in this simple life to learn this lesson, but have eternity to reap the benefits of the “free” gift given to all men and women by our Lord God through Jesus Christ. Eternity with no pain, suffering, or sorrow. I pray that God blesses your family with the peace of knowing His salvation is greater than all the evil in this present world. I hope a cure is found and pray all of us enjoy every moment, for none of us are promised another day. may God richly bless your family. James

For those who are on the forum mocking God fearing people, who have made loving comments toward this family. Jesus died for you also. Remember, God has used people who love Him to do more good, ministering to the needs of man, feeding the poor, building homes for the homeless, educating the uneducated, and set more people free from tyrany and bondage than any godless person has ever considered or done. So please be respectful when saying that we should do something instead of pray. We even pray for those who hate us and God. It is not our goodness that we care or do things ,but Gods goodness that dwells in the believer.

I love you Tina, Brandon, Zach, and Brittany. I’ve known you all for most of my life. I still remember when brandon asked Tina to marry him. We were all so happy. The wedding was beautiful and the reception was a common experience amongst friends. We are a big crazy family of friends. The fact that Zach has a disease doesn’t phase me. i still remember the first time i held him, played with him, and fed him. He’s an amazing baby. I remember when he first looked at me with those big blue eyes. He’s truly a gift and i thank god for him.

I love you Pickard family!

ainsley k murrell

Wow! Can’t wait till the breakfast at our Applebee’s! What a response for such a sweet baby! He will be such a blessing (already has been) to so many. You have a strong support group that is always on call. We love you all. I am here for whatever you need. I can only imagine what an outpouring of love from people you don’t even know can feel like. I am a personal friend of this family from Lexinggton and I am overwhelmed by the comments. I can’t imagine what the family feels. As always, Zach, and family are in my prayers on a daily basis. Miracles do happen! But, more importantly, everything happens for a reason. God has a plan. I love you all. Susan

I know exactly what this family is going through. My first son died at 5 years old with a genetic disorder that speeds the aging process that’s even more deadly than Progeria. The condition is called Cockayne Syndrome and it’s estimated that less than 200 children are alive today that have been diagnosed with it. Currently, my daughter has the condition and more information can be found at http://www.cockaynesyndrome.net . I do feel for this family. Like I said, I know exactly what it’s like to know that your child will die before you do.

God bless this little boy and his family. They are in my prayers, always.

Is this the same disease that Robin Williams’ character had in the movie “Jack” based on a true story?

I will pray for him to be healed in Jesus’ Name.

It is truly amazing to see how one article and one fundraiser has reached the world already. Our family is overwhelmed with mixed emotions! I encourage everyone reading to visit the Progeria Research Foundations website to learn more about Progeria and ways to help. As Zach’s aunt I can say he truly is a blessing in all our lives. Nothing compares to his big blue eyes looking at you. Thanks to everyone for their prayers they are greatly appreciated.
Kristin

As Zach’s aunt I can say he is truly a blessing. I encourage everyone to visit the Progeria Research Foundations website and learn more about Progeria and ways to help. Its oberwhelming and amazing how one fundraiser and one article from Frankfort Kentucky’s paper has reached the world. Thank you to everyone who has left such wonderful, hopeful comments. They are greatly appreciated.

I have pulled up videos on the Progeria web site of other Porgeria parents, and they are all “special” souls. Some of them state that they feel blessed, to have been given such a child. You can feel the “love” that emanates from these parents for their afflicted offspring. God does work in mysterious ways, and these “special” children are an example of his testing our faith. Has anyone suggested that all these parents contact each other, (there are only a handful worldwide). If each afflicted child’s horiscope could be drawn up by a reputable, serious astrologer, I wonder if some similar planetary aspects in negative aspects could be detected. It could lead to some herbal remedies involving the metals that the individual planets are connected to. Even established medicine uses metal therapies in offering relief from chronic ailments. It is worth researching.
We are all affected by the map of the heavens for the moment we are born. My prayers go out to these families and my admiration for their courage and faith.

Zach (and parents),
God bless you and you family. I read his stroy on the comcast home page and just started to tear up, I have three kids and can not even begin to imagine what you are all going through. I wish you all the best I read that there is some clinical trail going on from progeriaresearch.org and I hope that it works so maybe your baby can’t get better, I feel so bad for this beautiful little boy no child should go through any pain. I know people say god is in control, but who believes in this when a precious gift is giving to you and told that it could be taking away. Lets see how many people say it all in gods hands if we were in your shoes I bet they would think otherwise. You really have to think about it I know if it were me I would be angry with god wanting to know why he would have a child suffer for one who loves him so much to sit back with no control and watch in pain. I wish you the best you are very strong parents take care of your precious angel enjoy every second with him and pray for the best.
Dianna

Tina and Brandon are like family to me. I was there when Zach was born. I was so happy for Tina, Brandon, and Brittany to have this little guy. At eight weeks of age, I was blessed to care for Zach on a daily basis. This child is totally unaware of being any different from any other child. He is funny, smart, loving and can be stubborn just like any 14 month old! It was heart wrenching at first when progeria was suggested as a possible diagnosis. When the test confirmed what we already knew, I had lots of feelings. It was incredible that I know and love so much a child who is one of 13 in the United States with this disease. The odds of one in 4 to 8 million! WoW! Then I felt as Tina and Brandon did, “God has blessed us with this child.” It is like a miracle that now through Zach more people, as well as myself, can be made aware of progeria and the foundation which is fighting for a cure. We don’t know when our time to die will be, nor do we know Zach’s. We enjoy each smile and each laugh and each tear and treasure the time we do have. Most importantly, KEEP PRAYING FOR A CURE!
We love you,
Mike, Dorinda, Caitlin, Logan, and Miranda

I have been bestfriends with brittany and her family for awhile. When Zach was born I remember waiting at the hospital just to see him. He was beautiful and Tina, Brandon, Brittany and friends have been gifted with such a wonderful baby. When i found out about Zach’s aging disease called Progeria, i was hearbroken. I have watched him for about 14 months grow as an amazingly happy baby and i don’t look at him any differently other than normal. Those big beautiful blue eyes and the way he smiles and laughs gets you every time. He is wonderful! This Pickard family is part of my own and i love them with my heart. I know there are very few with this disease, but i have faith that he will be strong and there will be a cure found, hopfully soon. Zach and his family are always in my prayers and forever in my heart. God has his gifts to bring, as Zach was to us. Although he may be taken from the ones who are close, please pray and hope that a miracle will happen and he stays. Keep Zach and his family in your prayers and hearts as i do. I love you Tina, Brandon, Brittany, Zach and family.I also thank God for bringing him to the world and into our lives.

Love always, Caitlin

Not to be a jerk here, but how can a one year old possibly be referred to as “courageous,” as the article title states? Stop making ill people out to be heroes. Especially when they’re not even old enough to construct a sentence. Having a disease isn’t courageous. Fighting to stay alive is not courageous. It’s life. Accept it, people.

To tell you the truth, you are being a jerk. Maybe one of these days when you have a child with a disease everyone can say hurtful things to you and we will see how you feel. I think you need to apologize to everyone, especially the Pickard family for what you have said. You should be ashamed of yourself for your comment. So “Accept it” you are a JERK!!!

My husband showed me this story when it first ran, and I have been thinking about this family ever since. Last Friday, the 11th of April, was the birthday of my sister, Melanie Melville, who was born in 1961. She was diagnosed with progeria at the age of 2. My parents didn’t share with the rest of us (we were a family of 4 girls) her medical diagnosis – we knew she was different and had medical issues, but we didn’t know it was terminal. She was very bright, spunky, and determined to do everything the rest of us could do. She loved being in the spotlight, and always insisted that all eyes be on her! She truly believed that she was beautiful, and that she was the most loved and special of all of us. Her biggest fault was that she delighted in getting the rest of us into trouble! She passed away in June of 1976 at the age of 15, after struggling with cancer for 3 years. She always thought she was one in a million, and would delight in knowing she was actually one in 8 million!! We miss her very much, but she was truly a special spirit in our lives, and my sisters and I believe she is our guardian angel. My thoughts and prayers go out to Zach’s family.