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The heroism of Adalia Rose Williams: YouTuber with rare Benjamin Button disease dead at 15

Adalia Rose Williams documented her life and shed light on how she lived with the chronic condition of progeria which caused her to age faster

Texas-based YouTuber Adalia Rose Williams, who was diagnosed as a baby with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, has died at the age of 15. The Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome — also known as the “Benjamin Button” disease — is a fatal, genetic condition of childhood with features resembling premature aging. Williams' tragic death was announced on her Facebook page. Child's progeria is more popularly known as Benjamin Button disease (nicknamed for the Brad Pitt movie where his character ages in reverse).

"January 12, 2022 at 7pm Adalia Rose Williams was set free from this world. She came into it quietly and left quietly, but her life was far from it. She touched MILLIONS of people and left the biggest imprint in everyone that knew her. She is no longer in pain and is now dancing away to all the music she loves. I really wish this wasn’t our reality but unfortunately it is. We want to say thank you to everyone that loved and supported her. Thank you to all her doctors and nurses that worked for YEARS to keep her healthy. The family would now like to mourn this huge loss in private," the post reads. The disorder is believed to affect only one person in eight million around the world. In the past few months, we have also received news of many social media influencers and celebs dying. 'Here for the tea' YouTuber Samantha Rabinowitz died last November. Also, something truly bizarre happened after Norwegian YouTuber, Tor Eckhoff died five days after he posted 'I am not dead'. 

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Williams, a YouTuber, posted across other social media platforms too. She documented her life and shed light on how she lived with the chronic condition. Progeria Research Foundation says that around 400 children worldwide are currently living with the disease.

Williams began uploading videos on YouTube in 2012. With time, she garnered 2.9 million subscribers. Besides health updates, Williams also posted makeup tutorials, dances and skits featuring other members of her family.

Social media mourned Williams' death with tributes and condolences pouring in on Twitter. "My heart is actually broken…. Adalia Rose Williams you are so so loved and I am so sorry you had to leave so soon. 15 years old……fly high Angel my prayers and thoughts are with the family," one user wrote. "Today is a day in which we celebrate, not only the life of this young girl here, but for that one kid in genesis who named her after a reload nac function on call of duty, changing trickshotting as we know. Today we celebrate Adalia Rose (Williams)," wrote another. 

"RIP My beautiful Angel! I love her so much and will never forget her, we need people like her in this world!" one user commented, while another wrote, "When you feel sorry for yourself just remember some people don't have 1/100th of what you have. Be grateful, and thank people. She is in a better place now." "Rest in the arms of the Lord, Adalia Rose," one user wrote.