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July 1st, 2010
10:34 AM ET
At 60 pounds, woman is unable to gain weightThe latest medical mystery in the news is the story of a 21-year-old Texas college student with a disorder that makes her incapable of gaining weight. Reports that Lizzie Velasquez needs to eat every 15 minutes to survive are inaccurate, according to her father. She has a healthy appetite, he says, but does not eat as frequently as widely reported. Velasquez, a Texas State University student, says on her website: “What the syndrome causes is that I'm not able to gain weight." She reportedly weighs around 60 pounds. “I eat whatever I want all day long and just can't keep the pounds on,” she wrote on her site. The condition is known as neonatal progeroid syndrome. There are about 45-50 reported cases worldwide. Neonatal progeroid syndrome is a type of lipodystrophy, a disorder characterized by a selective loss of body fat. People with lipodystrophy cannot store fat. “Whatever they are eating goes to the wrong place,” said Dr. Abhimanyu Garg at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. “If they eat enough to burn it by muscles, it’s fine. Usually, all of us, we eat extra fat, and it goes to our fat cells. When we are starving or exercising, the fat cells release energy, it’s burned by muscle. Here they don’t have that option. What happens is it goes to their liver or directly to the muscle and puts stress on them. It damages them.” In severe cases, children are born without fat on their bodies and look very muscular, he said. Garg has seen Velasquez, as part of his research on neonatal progeroid syndrome, but did not have permission to speak about her case. Velasquez was born 2 pounds and 10 ounces, according to her website. She said she was born so small her clothes were actually doll clothes from Toys "R" Us because those were the only garments that fit her. Watch a video on Velasquez. The condition is also known as Wiedemann- Rautenstrauch Syndrome, is also characterized by accelerated aging and lipodystrophy from birth. Children can have severe growth and development problems, eye problems, and facial patterns and loss of fat from the face, extremities. “They remain thin, the defect is they can’t put fat in their body,” Garg said. “Whatever it is, they cannot overcome that defect by overeating.” The first reported case was in 1977, said Garg, who is researching this disorder. Patients with NPS do not fit one profile. They don’t necessarily have to eat more frequently and much about the condition is still unknown, he said. Some children die very early in childhood, but not enough is known about average life expectancy, Garg said. The children have been reported to die from lung complications such as pneumonia or infections. For reasons unknown, the condition also affects the eyes. Then there are the psychological consequences of the disorder. “Some are told they have anorexia, but they are in fact eating well, but look like they have anorexia,” Garg said. “They’re thought to have AIDS and different disorders.” Scientists are trying to figure out the genetic basis of the disease and identify the gene for NPS. Velasquez wrote on her blog that she frequently gets asked whether she would ever change her appearance if she could. “God made me the way I am for a reason and I would never change that,” she wrote. “I lead a normal life as much as possible and deal with the bumps in the road as they come along with my head held high and a smile on my face!”
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We are what we are so AMEN Sister....
God be with you, as with us all. Keep up the fight and I hope science and medicine help all that need its miracles. You do a wonderful job of standing alone with regards to your syndrome and I wish you a bright and healthy future. You deserve the world's admiration for your staring down your condition and winning.
@Chet – What the heck?
she could get married, the pounds are guaranteed to pack on after a ring goes on the finger
Lizzie Velasquez supporter page:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=116368491743042#!/pages/Lizzies-Fan-Page/132587973438536?ref=mf
that sux that they cant store fat... i would gladly donate all of mine..
I'll come over to your moms Mejazzbo...
What a tough young lady, what a fighter, it must not be easy to hold her head high with a big smile on her face. I think Lizzie is amazing!
its probably not easy to keep her head up because her muscles are dying
Of course it's not easy to hold her head high – that's the heaviest part of her body.
In reference to her saying she wouldn't change even if she could because God made here that way– assuming "God" even exists, why would he/she/it endow us with brains and reason and logic which led to science, if he/she/it intended for us to not use it? This is all aside from the fact that if AIDS, poverty, this disease, cancer, etc. etc. are all "done by God for a reason," then I think we should really consider what reason he might have for doing such things– or else we should consider that maybe it isn't "God" doing these things at all.
God does not create sickness, or bring bad things to people. Humans do this to themselves and others.
I swear it's almost like I could have written that. Not quite but almost. But the most scary part is the name, as that's my name ...
Might want to stay out of my head though, it's a very scary place!
I have to agree with Cody on this one. Its like saying if you have a rotten tooth, you shouldn't go to the dentist because God wants you to suffer a tooth ache and to end up looking like a toothless moron.
Gina – and how exactly did Lizzie bring this on herself?
Wow, I think Mark's reply sums up what's wrong with this country. If you don't believe what I believe, you have no voice.
To Mark: Why should non-believers shut up? I thought they teach tolerance in churches... Do people who think differently than you or have some critical thinking ability scare you?
This woman didn't say "God made me this way, and therefore, I will never pursue any medical treatment for this condition." She said "God made me this way, and I am going to find joy in the place where I am – regardless of any treatment that may or may not be available." I would be willing to be that she has jumped through every medical hoop through which she can jump, and I applaud her for her positive outlook. It sounds to me as if she has found a way to be content regardless of her circumstances, and that is a wonderful thing.
goodness, just let people have their beliefs..
You're asking questions that even you can't answer. Let's just say that God allows these diseases to exist in this world, shouldn't the greater answer be that we learn to love those in suffer? That we empathize and show compassion? That we embrace the hope to want to LIVE that this young woman carries despite her appearance and health? Don't turn her positive comment into your God issue.
Beauty of science is – it can be tested and is real. We use it every day. Ironically, there are folks who don't believe mainstream media, but readily believe in a book written by someone with one agenda – scare and get you in to submit. Wake up!
What does your lack in a belief system have to do with this girl and her story? She said God.......... therefore she believes.... if you don't want someone telling you to shut up because you don't believe, why are you discouraging her statement. Seems like you are doing the same thing to her that you don't want to yourself. There's no need to get into a debate about the existence of God, when such debates really has nothing to do with the article. Couldn't you just be happy that she has a positive outlook on her life. Sans all of the unnecessary badgering of the fact that you don't believe when clearly she does.
Cody, I think you may want to re-read what she said, and context in which she said it. She didn't say she would never hope for a cure for her condition, instead she seems, to me at least, to not be the type of person who sits around and says "woe is me...feel sorry for me".
Since she has and is seeing doctors, it's obvious that she would like to research go into a cure for the condition, but she's not going to dwell on why she is the way she is. Asking whether she "wishes she could change" her condition is an asinine question...she is who she is, and she's always been this way...despite her condition she obviously has a positive outlook on life and believes that God meant for her life to mean something, so she's not going to waste time wishing a wish that won't come true.
EXACTLY what I was thinking when I finished reading that. We don't know the effects of this on her brain though. Maybe that's why she believes in "god". But yeah...well said! well said!
If you are going to add a religious tone to this then get the story straight. God created perfect Adam and Eve, and it is through their sin that we inherit sin and death. God was not responsible for this, they were. Amazing when things go wrong, God always gets the blame, but on their deathbed, people are always calling out to God.
Cody, believing in God is what keeps this amazing woman keeping her head held high. Shame on you for questioning her beliefs! Why can't you just say something nice and let it go?
God DOESN'T create sickness???? How can you say that, if you think he created everything beautiful in the world, then of course he created germs and sickness as well. gotta love the faux-christian mentality...if something good happens, it's a blessed miracle from god. if something bad happens, man's free-will caused it,lol.
Didn't God create the item(s) with which Adam and Eve were tempted? Was that just a sick joke?
SIn...that is why there is disease and the like. Sin is anything that violates God's law the 10 commandments. Have you ever told a lie? Stolen anything? Ever used God's name in vain? Jesus said "Whomever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Have you looked with lust? Will you be guilty on Judgement day? If you have done those things, God sees you as a lying, thieving, blasphemous, adulterer at heart. The bible warns if you are guilty you will end up in hell. That is not God's will. He sent His son to suffer and die on the cross for you. You broke God's law, but Jesus paid your fine. That means he can legally dismiss your case. He can commune your death sentence."For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life." Then He rose from the dead and defeated death. Please repent (turn from sin and do it no more) today and trust alone in Jesus, and God will grant you the gift of everlasting life. Then read the bible and obey it.
Suzi, your opinion is ignorant.
i agree cody. i believe in a higher power but not what organized religion is giving us. nature i think is the truest and highest power out there. we animals just like our pets. created somehow from nature and sadly our bodies react differently at times. cancers and other disease where the body starts fighting itself. even pathogens like colds, viruses, HIV, or swine flu were all created by nature and bounce to humans. our weather patterns, earthquakes, lighting strikes creating wild fires, its all nature.
this young lady was given no choice. when just a fetus nature dealt her a nasty hand. something went wrong in the transcriptions of her parents dna in creating her own. children are innocent. why would "GOD" punish a fetus which hasn't done anything to the world.
i read this story and felt pride for her. that she is surviving against the odds and prejudices she faces/faced.
so in your logic that "GOD" punishes those that sin, then this young lady apparently did something wrong at the moment of conception. i wonder what that could have been. or holy crap batman, "GOD" punished this girl for something one of her parents did. how forgiving and protecting of the innocent.
@rob: The cause of her condition is most likely sin, but it doesn't mean it's HER sin. It could have been others' sins, ie relations with close family members that contributed to a messed up gene pool that could have caused this. It's awesome though that she accepts her condition and isn't angry at God. God chooses to use whatever, be it a medical condition, a traumatic experience, prosperity, etc, to make His presence known and bring an individual to Him. Her condition doesn't mean God is punishing her.
my last post was for suzi
To everyone who is arguing over the God comment. If you believe, no explanation is necessary. If you don't believe, no explanation will suffice.
Many people say "It's God's will" to handle adversity without going insane. Let them be.
Mark. you know there are always idiots on here who don't believe in God that have to announce it to the world. But as a Christian I don't have to announce that I believe in God with every post. The difference is I am secure in my belief and they are confused. Very sad! One day they will wish they had given God more thought.
Cody, might you be as underweight in soul as you see Lizzie as being in body?
What difference does it make if this girl has a belief system? In our beauty obsessed world, she certainly needs something. If that is what allows her to wake up everyday and smile, who the f#%$ are any of you to even consider denying her that.
Maybe God and fate have something to do with each other, and in that case maybe people should consider the consequences of posting such hateful things. Whether there is a god or not, I have seen cause and effect in motion. What goes around comes around, and usually people are living their Karma already. You should try and examine yourself and your environment to see what's causing such hateful mean things to come out of your mouth.
I agree, Cody, and with the girl that mentioned the tooth thing. if there is a god, they are not hand picking people to be sick or not sick. Genes and DNA are.
It never ceases to amaze me how stupid Christians can be. God didn't create illness? What? I thought he created everything? I'm sure there are some very nice, intelligent Christians out there, but they sure as heck don't post on CNN. *rolling eyes*
Why do these discussions always come down to a God issue. If she believes in God, good for her. If not, good for her. Whatever gets you through.
To Dball00: and you always have believers who have to say that non believers are idiots. Once again, so much for tolerance and acceptance of difference. People who are secure in their belief don't tell others to shut up. The fact that you don't want to hear opinion other than yours make me think that you're not that secure. Or worse, that you don't really know what you're believing in. Why do people like you always feel like they have to insult people who think differently? Non-believers are not idiots. They're just non-believers. And they deserve respect and tolerance.
Or maybe God's reasons are beyond our comprehension or our common sense/logical answers. Yes, I believe God creates suffering and tragedy, and I believe He created science and innovation. And I am comfrotable with knowing that we do not always know the where and why of everything. That there are deeper wisdoms and truths than we can always see, comprehend or explain.
Wow... Mr. Cup Half Empty, aren't you??
hmmmm, his legs look pretty muscular under those jeans. two months in a wheelchair would have caused at least some atrophy.
Oh, and "There's no known cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome, but several treatments can ease symptoms and reduce the duration of the illness. AND MOST PEOPLE DO RECOVER COMPLETELY."(mayoclinic.com)
sorry, I keep trying to reply to CIndy's youtube video of the "healing" but it keeps showing as a new post... (?)
hmmmm, his legs look pretty muscular under those jeans. two months in a wheelchair would have caused at least some atrophy.
Oh, and "There's no known cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome, but several treatments can ease symptoms and reduce the duration of the illness. AND MOST PEOPLE DO RECOVER COMPLETELY."(mayoclinic.com)
I think you're beautiful the way you are and admire you for sharing your story.
I couldn't agree more....
what a lovely young lady!
As a disabled person, I find publicizing people living their lives despite disabilities a welcome change to all the trash we read about.
I think mejazzbo is missing the point. Its not about fattening up. Its how her body uses the food and your mama's cooking wouldn't do her any good. Good for Lizzie for being so secure with herself and her body image though! Many young women could learn from her.
Bless her heart. I'm sure that many people who see her assume she has anorexia and if she'd just "get over herself" she'd be fine. (Because people don't understand anorexia either.) It's sad to see the flippant, dismissive comments here. Whatever happened to human empathy?
I'm not just saying this but I really do think THC is the answer or at least worth a shot it could save her life who knows.
Yes! I agree 100%!
haha, thc may help her develop a desire to eat. but its already covered that she eats whatever she wants and when.
That won't help. She can eat all she wants and the extra calories simply do not turn into fat. The munchies won't make a difference.
She's such a brave young woman. I can only imagine what it was like for her in school with children being as cruel as they are. I have a daughter that age - my heart breaks for her.
Actually there is a good chance it would help. The drug directly affects the fat cells. THC stays in the fat cells and that is why it shows up in urine tests. Realisticly there is one way to test it out and that would be to give her a "brownie" or a pipe and see what happens. The doctors could then run tests and see if the fat cells are accepting the THC, if they are then they would accept food. So when you say no it will not, you should be saying well it hasn't been tested so maybe it is worth a shot.
Look at how eager people are to throw the idea of marijuana for any useful purposes away. God bless the government be incorrect. My first expierence with marijuana was with a 92 year old lovely lady growing a plant in her room with a very radical and inticing light. She said she had wished shed known about the stuff a long time before she did rip you groovy granny. No more locking people up legalize and let live.
There is no reason to make fun of this girl. I wish her the best and hope she has true friends who will accept her as she is.
People, do no be so hateful. Why not find compassion for this Human Being. One never knows when an illness strikes. Be glad and greatful if you are healthy. PEACE
after reading this article and then reading her blog I've really come to love this girl and her positive attitude. she is simply amazing!
Ditto
She doesnt have an appetite problem, so what good would munchies do? it would be fun and yummy no doubt, but not solve her problem..though def worth a try, it wont hurt!
Good for her, (as far as holding her head high) don't let other people's opinion and ignorance keep you from reaching your goals, rock what you got!
Cody-why not just accept that she has a view and is as entitled to that view regardless of what YOU believe in? Whether there is a God or not, life is random and at times unfair.
What if its not god, but rather something happened while her mother was pregnant? Or what if it was some sort of shots or medicine given to mother while pregnant? Or just a random unfortunate sequenceing of DNA. My point is, SCIENTISTS and DOCTORS thankfully dont take that mentality, and rather are attempting to study and learn from people like her so that they can unlock the mystery to why this is happening, and prevent it from happening in the future. Im grateful we all dont assign everything we cant explain to GOD anymore, but I understand why many do – its just easier.
I knew Cody was too far gone and ignorant when she referred to God as he/she/it.
margret, your not understanding the meaning of his "he/she/it" referrence. its not ignorance in the negative context but ignorance in not knowing the truth. who said "GOD" is male? man put that sexual identity reference there when it was men who ran Christianity during its founding days. it is men who are put in the highest offices in the religion still to this day. give me one female pope? its only been recently that women are attaining higher placements in this faith. it was men who wrote out the original bible with messages and lessons from "GOD". "GOD" could have spoken to them sounding like tinker bell for all we know. or as images, lights, sounds, or a dream and the easiest way to understand and put a face to the source is related it to man. at the time it was men who were in charge so naturally it would be a male that spoke to them as women were not on the same level of intelligence and status then. the "it" means that "GOD" could be a being that has no form, sexual identity, or identity that humans today are able to describe.
Jessica, you do realize a lot of scientists and doctors believe in a higher power, right?
@Margaret, to see "too far gone and ignorant", look into a mirror, please. All of us do not have to live by your mythology. Thanks.
What if she gets pregnant?
doubtful she will ever get pregnant. The body requires a certain amount of body fat to reproduce...without it...no ovulation. Many long distance runners and anorexics stop ovulating.
She might not be able to. Most times you need a certain body fat percentage to even get a cycle. Sorry to gross you guys out
can't get pregnant when you are very severely underweight. the female processes shut down.
Pregnant...really?? The weight alone would crush her. Shes doing good just to get a wheatthin in her mouth, let alone anything else.
You are an idiot! Her body is incapable of storing fat...her appetite is not the problem
did anyone ever check her to see if she has celiac disease? I have this and it is very hard to gain weight.
I would think she'd also have all the other digestive issues, and the weight loss wouldnt be this severe. Or maybe celiac and what she has are more linked than we know...
Lisa, I'm with you on this one. I am a celiac also and kidding earlier with mejazzbo about coming over for mom's cooking. I most likely couldn't eat any of it, but I just try to keep my sense of humor about my situation. I only weigh about 95 lbs. soaking wet and wish I could gain a few. I do feel and look well now thankfully, but it certainly is embarrassing to buy jeans at Gap Kids! This lady may have this and a couple of other issues.
Never heard of this disease, thanks for enlightening us. BTW, I have some extra lbs, I can email over to you.
I can email you some pounds. I can't seem to get rid of mine no matter what I do, and society can't stand fat people.
Jennifer,
As a health major I can offer you this advice. When you wake up in the morning have a glass of skim milk. The digestion required to process the milk jump starts your daily metabolism. Also, drink water throughout the day. Try to eat whatever breakfast you like as long as it is well balanced. Make sure to eat fiber as much as you can. The best way to do that is through fresh vegetables. Also, don't eat in fron tof the tv. Try to eat meals with others. Studies show that social eating lowers group intake. Of course, exercise or just activity even is essential Also, try to walk as much as possible. Exercise is great but what a lot of people don't know is that high intensity exercise, such as running, burns sugar before it burns fat. Lower intensity exercises such as walking, more leasurely biking, and weight training burn fat more efficiently.
Poor girl! Guess there are worse things than not being able to lose weight no matter what you do! What strikes me is I wonder if any of the babies who starved to death and parents were accused of severe neglect might have had this disorder. Or people accused of anorexia who might have a variant of this.
Good point!!!
Strong willed woman. It's sad that she has to look like that. Some women actually try to look like that. Olsen twins comes to mind.
My little brother has this condition. He cannot store fat in his left arm at all. He strength trains this arm in order to build muscle so that it will be the physical equivalent in size to his right arm.
kz, good question, My educated guess (and I am in the medical field) is she likely will not become pregnant, estrogen levels are affected by loss of body fat, that's why many athletes and anorexics don't have a period. Even if science manages to help her achieve a pregnancy it's not likely she would sustain it. But she could always adopt if she chooses.
Cody, God dosen't give us these diseases..................do some research, most of these diseases are gotten from animals that people can't seem to keep thier hands of off. Like monkeys, sheep etc.........God is great and gave Lizzie her spirit, and I'm sure he'll take good care of her, here and there
How about malaria? Where does your inuendo fit in with mosquitos? Rube.
Maybe what this girl needs is a fat transplant. I'd be happy to donate some of mine...
Oh No you don't, not before me!!!
Thanks Debbie
Nothing that a diet of McDonalds won't fix
Yeah there is. This girl's problem for instance. It'll make your couch-potato @ss fat, yes, but her body doesn't manufacture fat. That's the point, clueless.
you're a real humanitarian dude. CLASSY!
That's the difference between ignorance and stupidity, ignorance is when you haven't read the article are unfamiliar with the condition and assume she is starving herself, stupidity is when the article is right in front of you, and you still make stupid comments, like has she tried putting the food in her mouth.
I totally agree with you Debbie. I just cannot believe how many people keep saying "Oh, just eat more" "Here, have some McDonald's or Burger King" "Eat more often" "Have more junk food" "Smoke a joint, that'll do it", etc. Her body cannot properly process and store the fats that she *does* eat, how on earth can any of these things [which to an extent, she probably does anyway] possibly change that? I think Darwin needs to chlorinate the gene pool again, eh?
“God made me the way I am for a reason and I would never change that”
It's is amazing how many people nowadays opt for plastic surgery to change facial features or look younger. If they can't accept themselves as they are, much less would other people!! they end up living a very unhappy life. Lizzie on the contrary has the wisdom and peace that can only come from God. I applaud you and salute you Lizzie Velasquez!
I just wanted to note, that doesnt only come from GOD. Not that id expect you to agree, im just saying...some of us dont believe and still have wisdom and peace, and can make rational conclusions about who and how we are, despite the ignorance all around us. Its called "thinking". I do it often.
Jessica, what exactly makes you think you have "wisdom and peace"?
Seems that anytime someone mentions God, people like you get their panties in a wad and go on the defensive about how all of their self proclaimed positive attributes come from nowhere. How is that behavior peaceful and how is claiming you now for sure something doesn't exist wise?
Tell me.
I'm offended and annoyed that you write it can only come from God.
Wake up!
Millions of atheists, multi-theists, and agnostics worldwide find peace, joy, self-acceptance, etc.
Sheesh.
Good story. Many of the comments on here have me questioning the state of mind this country's populous has degraded to...stupid people say stupid things.
She's probably not as stupid as you, just a hunch.
haha I love it.. poor girl though.
This story shouldn't have a comment feature at all, even though some of the comments are lovely and supportive. This young woman doesn't need to be judged or diagnosed or preached to or compared to anorexic celebutantes.
May I come over too? I'm one of those tiny mites who only weighs 95 pounds and can't gain an ounce no matter what I eat. I'd give just about anything to put on a healthy 10-15 pounds to look normal.
Jesus has afflicted her as a test. Or maybe the devil did. If she loses her faith it's endless torture for her.
What a sweet guy god is, gives someone a horror show of a life like this then tortures them for all eternity if they didn't believe the "right thing". Sounds like a bully and a jerk.
Another very sick with absolutely no empathy for others.
Smoke some pot and get the muchies! ALOT!
I wonder if there is anything that can be learned from her genetic make up that could help with obesity.
That's being studied, actually. I work at the same institution as Dr. Garg and have heard him speak about his work several times.
Obviously you do not get the fact that she is suffering from a MEDICAL CONDITION that no doctor (even yo momma's grub) can fix.
My heart goes out to this fine little lady! I hope that she runs upon something to fatten her up...She is a little doll! Love to you!
I sooooo emathize with Lizzie, it seems the older I get the smaller I get. I've been trying to gain weight for the past year. I have to take 2 mass weight gain shakes a day, on top of eating 8 times a day, just to sustain the weight I have. I burn over 3000 calories a day and I welcome anyone to try eating that much food in a day; it's seems to consume my day – gotta eat again, again, again, etc. It gets old after a while. I skipped a couple of snacks over this past weekend and lost 3 lbs..... I get sick of the anorexia comments, because that's not the case......And for the people that say McDonalds is the answer, been there done that, and still doing it. NOTHING helps. I want to thank Lizzie for sharing her story as I will be asking my Dr. if this could be my issue.
Have you consulted a physician? You might have a parasite or not to scare you but maybe something more malignant.
Unbelievable! Just reading some of the comments, did nobody read the article?
Anyway, her quote/response at the end of the article, all I can say is, good for her. So many people whose problems are SO much less than hers who do nothing but cry about how bad life is and how sorry they feel for themselves. If only the world had more people with her spirit/personality.
You are some really sick people who love to write nasty and ill-informed comments about the plight of people like Lizzie. Don't you people have an ounce of feeling for those with problems like this. I read comments like this and am embarrased to be an American. This is not at all the way this should be discussed.
Well, at least she thinks a super powerful deity doomed her to a life of malfunction and abnormality. I'm glad that this brings her solace.
Matt ... very sick you are. VERY
She looks like bone with skin wrapped around it. Not unlike Norman Bates mother in "Psycho".
I'm not sick. Lizzie is sick. Lizzie thinks that god made her that way. She says so, and says that she wouldn't give up her horrifying condition for anything because she thinks that god (aka a super powerful deity) made her that way. I hope this brings her solace.
Meanwhile, human doctors and human scientists are making discoveries that could help cure her. But she'll probably give the credit to god if that happens. She'll probably decide that god wants her to be cured too. Faith is fluid like that.
I think that she would do well by adopting a Navy Seal style workout regimen under the influence of large amounts of methamphetamine would work. Wearing a rubber suit would help as well.
Matt isn't sick, just stating the facts. Belief in god gives people solace even though it makes no sense. What kind of god would cause someone to be so afflicted? He's a jerk or he doesn't care. Oh, I know it's so "other people can 'love' them". What a blessing. It's nonsense. Just fairy tales.
I feel horrible for this person, wish I could help her. I would if I could, surely. The all powerful, all loving god you believe in CAN HELP HER but doesn't. Nice guy. And I'm the jerk? Didn't Jesus say basically that "everything I've done, you can do", speaking to his followers? Well why don't some of his followers heal this poor girl like he healed people in the Bible? Huh?
He did state the truth. As for me.....I am just posting ridiculous and inappropriate comments to rile things up and I have a really sick sense of humor. Apparently if this god fellow makes everyone then god made me the way I am so why can't you accept me? lol hypocrites....
Sick ... you are soooo sick!
I'm pretty sure the point is that she is NOT an invalid. Wow. Amazing how low the reading comprehension level here really is.
How on earth can we teach our children patience, tolerance and love with adults like this making awful comments about an unfortunate situation. I teach my childred that what people say to others is a direct reflection of how they feel about themselves. The people who are making nasty comments must truly have pathetic lives.......
*children*
In 1981, I had a temporary condition that lasted a couple of years, where no matter what I ate it would pass through me. I got better with vitamins, especially B-5 (pantothenic acid). I became very thin, and had no energy. It might also be a liver problem. Maybe she should try a liver cleanser such as Milk Thistle (Silymarin), which according to the German pharmacopia helps the liver deal with problems. But, that might just increase the problem, because the liver might process the fats faster. Marijuana might help an otherwise normal person deal with pain from cancer, but it and other drugs usually add more stress to the liver, which would make her worse.
I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that her DOCTORS who have, you know, actually EXAMINED her, have a better idea of what's wrong with her than some yokel on the internet,
I've wonder for a long time about the people who make comments on CNN.com. Now I'm sure that most of you have big mental problems. Thank the Lord for the few who have something intelligent to say. Those of you with the desturbed minds give a bad name to democrats.
Thank you Donna ... there is someone who posts with fellings for others. Hooray!
Not sure how many "fellings" from others Lizzie could handle. Not sure if her fragile frame could handle the impacts.
Kristin and donna, I'm pretty sure people making rude comments like Jim don't have big mental problems. They are trying to get under your skin by saying outlandish things, you know, like Rush Limbaugh does. If it didn't work so well on you maybe they would shut up.
Ah, donna you were doing so well 'til you got to the democrats part...
Have you no empathy for Lizzie?
Some societies didn't and still don't keep people around like this. Sorry you can't handle the truth dimwits.
she really isn't that HOT!!!! I mean come on!!!!
Jim, isn't there something kinda hot about her? She does have nice eye.
What a nice smile. Prayers and kind thoughts for this very brave young woman.
My younger brother has a muscle disease that prevents him from gaining muscle, and it is very hard on him.
Helped me learn a little more compassion, humility and thankful for my good fortune.