'100 Year Old Teenager' Dies Of Rare Condition: Progeria Activist Was 17

Haley Okines of East Sussex in England died at 17 from a rare premature aging disease that caused her body to age 8 times faster than the normal individual. Yet she spent the majority of her life fighting the chronic genetic condition, otherwise known as progeria, and working to raise awareness for it.

"Today we remember her tremendous courage and determination," noted the U.S.-based Progeria Research Foundation via their website.

The group's executive director Aubrey Gordon praised Haley for her frequent participation in new and promising drug trials, which she and her mother would often fly up to Boston so that Haley could take part in.

Also known as Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS), the rather severe and progressive symptoms of the disease range from excessive loss of body fat and hair, aging skin, and stiffness of the joints just within the first year of life.

Along with many fans who looked up to the young girls' courageous efforts, Haley leaves her recent book behind: an aubobiography that details her unusual life, titled "Old Before My Time."

Researchers continue to look for new treatments to help the rare health problem. As it stands, the Progeria Research Foundation estimates that the condition affects just about 1 in 4 million to 8 million newborns. Those affected are estimated live to an average age of 14.