A devastated family has revealed how they noticed one subtle sign that led to a tragic diagnosis for their baby girl.
In 2021, Lola was a healthy, thriving infant, hitting her milestones and completing the Ross family.
Parents Naomi and Aaron – from New South Wales, Australia – were overjoyed to see their older children, Toby, 11, and Maya, 7, embrace their new baby sister.
But at just 10 months old, their joy turned to heartbreak when doctors delivered the devastating news that Lola had cancer.
Naomi and Aaron have since opened up to News.com.au about the devastating circumstances.
“Lola was such a happy and smiley little baby, we just adored her,” Naomi said. “We never imagined anything like this could ever happen to us.”
Initially, Lola’s symptoms seemed minor – a little vomiting and a slight crookedness to her smile.
Naomi and Aaron dismissed these as normal childhood occurrences. Even a preference for using her right arm over her left did not seem alarming at first.
But Naomi’s intuition told her otherwise. “One day, she just looked unwell and a bit blank. I knew in my stomach something was not right, so we took her to the hospital.”
Doctors ran tests after noticing Lola’s crooked smile and her reduced use of her left arm.
“We just had a feeling that something wasn’t right,” Aaron recalled. “The doctors were talking behind a window, and when they finally came in, they told us, ‘We found something.’ Our hearts sank.”
A CT scan revealed a dark mass on Lola’s brain. By morning, she was in surgery.
After eight hours of surgery, doctors informed the family that they had removed a tumor the size of a mandarin from Lola’s brain.
A biopsy confirmed their worst fears – Lola had an embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes (ETMR), a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer with no established targeted treatment.
“It was really confronting seeing her after surgery, with tubes everywhere,” Aaron said. “But we were just so thankful she was alive.”
Lola began high-dose chemotherapy just before her first birthday.
Despite the grueling treatment, a follow-up scan revealed residual cancer, necessitating a second operation, more chemotherapy, and radiation.
Her final treatment ended on Christmas Eve, allowing the family to celebrate what would tragically be their last Christmas with her.
In early 2022, the Ross family created precious summer memories with Lola. But on February 2, an MRI revealed the devastating news that the treatments had failed.
Doctors informed Naomi and Aaron there were no more options. “That was the gut-wrenching moment,” Naomi said. “We knew it was the beginning of the end.”
Lola sadly passed away on March 26, 2022.
“We didn’t wake up knowing it was the last day,” Naomi said. “But she deteriorated quickly. All of us sat on our bed together, cuddled, sang songs, and talked to her.”
Lola passed away peacefully at home that evening.
Since Lola’s passing, the Ross family has worked to honor her memory and raise awareness about childhood cancer.
They commemorate her in small but meaningful ways, such as including her name on a Christmas stocking and bringing her photo to family Santa pictures.
“Keeping Lola’s spirit and name alive is a big part of our healing,” Aaron said. “We just try to do the best we can and keep her close.”
The couple also attended a talk at the Children’s Cancer Institute, where they found hope in advancements in childhood cancer research.
They are committed to raising awareness and funds to help other families.
“You hear about bad things happening in the world, but you never think it will happen to you,” Naomi said. “While we couldn’t save Lola, we hope to make a difference.”
Lola’s family is raising money in support of the Children’s Cancer Institute’s Christmas Appeal.
Identical twins share what happened to their bodies after one ate a strictly vegan diet and the other ate meat
Two identical twins have revealed what happened after they decided to try different diets to see the impact on their bodies.
Identical twins Hugo and Ross Turner decided to conduct a test by putting a vegan diet and a meat-based diet to the test.
Over a 12-week period, Hugo followed a strictly vegan diet, while Ross stuck to a regimen that included meat, dairy, and fish.
The twins, who share identical DNA, controlled other factors like calorie intake and exercise to isolate the effects of their diets.
Their goal was to see how the two approaches impacted their physical health and mental state.
Hugo admitted that the switch to a vegan lifestyle wasn’t easy at first.
“I think the first couple of weeks it was really craving and wanting meat and dairy and cheese. I love cheese,” he told the BBC, describing how his body initially “took a hit”.
But as the weeks went on, Hugo began to notice some positive changes.
“I was now having to eat fruit and nuts and alternatives that didn’t have any dairy in them – and so that meant I was eating a lot more wholesome food, which meant that my sugar levels were a lot more satiated during the day,” he explained. “I felt like I had more energy.”
By the end of the experiment, Hugo had shed weight, reduced his body fat by 1%, and saw his cholesterol levels drop “off the scale.” He also improved his resistance to type 2 diabetes.
However, there were drawbacks. Hugo’s gut microbiome, the ecosystem of bacteria that aids digestion and immune function, suffered a significant drop in diversity, a change linked to his restricted diet.
Ross’s experience with a meat-inclusive diet was more inconsistent.
“Some days I felt very energetic,” he said. “But on others, I experienced huge lulls.”
Ross gained 10 pounds of muscle during the 12 weeks, but he also increased his body fat percentage from 13% to 15%.
His gut microbiome, however, remained stable, potentially giving him an advantage in immune health compared to his brother.
Despite their contrasting diets, the twins concluded that there wasn’t “a huge difference if any” in overall outcomes.
Still, the experiment highlighted unique benefits for each diet:
- Vegan Diet (Hugo): Lower cholesterol, weight loss, improved blood sugar stability, and increased energy levels.
- Meat Diet (Ross): Muscle gain and stable gut microbiome diversity, though with some fluctuations in energy levels.
The study reinforces the idea that diet is not one-size-fits-all. While Hugo benefited from the vegan diet’s emphasis on wholesome, plant-based foods, Ross’s omnivorous approach provided gut health advantages and muscle-building support.
As Hugo summarized: “I felt like I had more energy,” while Ross acknowledged the need to balance his meals more carefully.
Woman diagnosed with ADHD as an adult shares the three ‘defining traits’ that most people overlook
A woman diagnosed with ADHD has opened up about three “defining traits” that are often overlooked by people.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder that includes a combination of problems, “such as difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior,” per Mayo Clinic.
The path to a diagnosis can vary significantly. While some people exhibit symptoms early in life, others, like Jennifer Salzman, may not be diagnosed until adulthood.
That’s why Salzman, who goes by @rebelwithoutadrink on TikTok, uses her social media platform to educate her followers about this often-overlooked condition.
This week, the TikToker shared a video about three “defining” ADHD characteristics that everyone “overlooks”.
Watch the clip below:An interest-based nervous systemJennifer cited ADHD specialist, Dr William Dodson, sharing: “ADHD doesn’t actually cause a deficit of attention, it causes inconsistent attention that is only activated by certain circumstances. Interest, passion, novelty, challenge, or urgency.”
Medcircle further explained this trait in a report, noting that those diagnosed with ADHD often prioritize interesting tasks over important ones – even when the latter has consequences or deadlines.
They also gain greater satisfaction from completing difficult assignments that align with their personal interests.
Emotional hyper-arousalThe creator explained that emotional hyper-arousal is having an “Intense, rapid, overwhelming emotional responses to things” – a defining characteristic Salzman says she exhibited for years before her diagnosis.
Dr. Dodson opened up about this further in ADDtitude magazine, explaining that ADHD causes an “internal feeling of hyperarousal” in some people, making it difficult for them to relax, even during simple activities like watching television.
“People with ADHD have passionate thoughts and emotions that are more intense than those of the average person. Their highs are higher and their lows are lower. This means you may experience both happiness and criticism more powerfully than your peers and loved ones do,” he added.
Rejection sensitivityIndividuals with the condition often demonstrate a heightened sensitivity to rejection.
“That feeling of intense emotional pain whenever we feel like we’re being criticized or rejected,” the Tiktoker explained.
Dr. Dodson elaborated that rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD) can also be triggered by a “sense of falling short—failing to meet their own high standards or others’ expectations”.
This emotion can lead to “a full, major mood disorder complete with suicidal ideation”, which can be misdiagnosed as a “rapid cycling mood disorder”.
Many of Salzman’s followers were left stunned by the three defining traits and took to the comment section to share their responses.
“Um you just described my entire personality,” one user said, while another added: “You just defined me. Diagnosed late in life.”
Featured image credit: Tetra Images / Getty
What is Progeria? As tributes pour in for TikTok star Beandri Booysen who has sadly died aged 19
Beandri Booysen, a South African TikTok star known for her heartwarming videos and inspiring spirit, has sadly passed away at the age of 19 after living with the rare condition known as Progeria.
Her mother, Bea Booysen, confirmed the news on Wednesday, December 18, in a touching Facebook post shared in the “Beandri, Our Inspiration” group, which the family started 15 years ago.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Beandri Booysen, one of South Africa’s most beloved and inspirational young women,” Bea wrote in the post, titled “In Loving Memory of Beandri Booysen”.
Bea noted that Beandri was the last known individual in South Africa living with Progeria, officially known as Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS).
She requested privacy for the family during this difficult time and promised to provide details of Beandri’s memorial service in the coming days.
What is Progeria?
Progeria (Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome) is an extraordinarily rare genetic disorder that results in rapid aging in children, the Cleveland Clinic explains.
While newborns with the condition typically appear healthy at birth, signs of premature aging begin to manifest within the first one to two years of life. As their growth rate slows, they fail to gain weight as expected, even as their cognitive development remains typical for their age.
The condition – although rare – can affect anyone. It is typically caused by a new (de novo) genetic mutation in the LMNA gene, meaning there is no prior biological family history of the disorder. The LMNA gene is responsible for the body’s production of a protein called lamin A.
Instead, an abnormal version of the protein called progerin is created instead. Progerin disrupts the stability of the body’s cell nuclei, making them less secure and more prone to damage over time. This cellular instability accumulates, leading to the premature aging and associated complications seen in individuals with progeria.
Children with progeria develop unique physical traits that differentiate them from their peers, including:
- Hair loss (baldness).
- Prominent eyes.
- Aged, wrinkled skin.
- A thin, beaked nose.
- Disproportionately small face compared to the size of their head.
- Loss of fat beneath the skin.
The name “progeria” is derived from the Greek word “geras”, meaning “old age.” The most well-known form of the disorder is Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS), named after Dr. Jonathan Hutchinson and Dr. Hastings Gilford, who first described the disease in the late 19th century.
Progeria is always fatal, with the average age of death being 14.5 years. However, some individuals with the condition have lived into their early 20s. Death is most often caused by complications of severe atherosclerosis, the same type of heart disease that affects millions of aging adults, but at a significantly younger age in children with progeria.
Atherosclerosis occurs when plaque builds up within the walls of the arteries, making them stiffer and less elastic. This can lead to life-threatening complications such as heart attacks and strokes.
Although there is no cure for progeria, a drug called lonafarnib has shown promise in slowing the progression of the disease.
Progeria is exceptionally rare, occurring in approximately 1 in every 4 million live births worldwide. Currently, about 400 children and young adults around the globe are living with the condition.
As of September 2024, the Progeria Research Foundation (PRF) has identified 17 children living with HGPS in the United States, which equates to an average prevalence of approximately 1 in 20 million.
The condition is often confirmed with a genetic blood test.
Tributes Pour in for Beandri
Beandri touched the lives of many through her TikTok account, where her videos resonated with over 278,000 followers. Known for her positive outlook and resilience, her posts often received praise from fans inspired by her strength.
Following the news of her passing, a tribute video shared on TikTok quickly gained over 300,000 views by Thursday, December 19. The caption read, “WE ALREADY MISS YOU SO MUCH.”
Messages of support and condolences poured in across social media platforms.
“RIP LITTLE ANGEL WHO MADE A BIG IMPACT,” one commenter wrote. Another added, “Prayers for the family for the loss of such a precious little young lady.”
“So sad. What an inspiration she was,” someone else shared. “Fly high with the angels sweet girl.”
Earlier in the year, Beandri had undergone heart surgery on Oct. 8, as her mother shared in an emotional update thanking fans for their prayers and encouragement. Despite the challenges, Bea later revealed that Beandri’s heart had stopped, prompting an outpouring of support from their community.
Beandri Booysen’s story touched the hearts of thousands, and her legacy as a source of inspiration and hope will not be forgotten. Memorial details will be shared by the family in due course.
Our thoughts continue to go out to Booysen’s family, friends, and supporters around the world at this time.
Identical twins reveal surprising results after one used botox for 20 years while the other didn’t
A pair of identical twins have shown us surprising results after one of them used Botox for 20 years while the other didn’t.
Now, Botox has become somewhat of a staple within society over the past decade or so.
While a lot of people were already getting ahead of the trend, it seems as though there is still an ongoing discussion about the pros and cons of the beauty procedure.
One study conducted on a set of identical twins might be able to give us a better insight into it all.
William J. Binder conducted the research on two women known as Twin 1 and Twin 2, one of which had been receiving regular treatments of Botox on the forehead and glabellar region (between the eyebrows) approximately two to three times each year, while the other, had undergone minimal work.
The check-in happened over a period of 13 years, initially starting in 2006.
Before-and-after pictures were taken of both women, and it was reported that Twin 2 (right) had noticeably smoother skin and lighter wrinkles on her forehead, while Twin 1 (left), who had only received a couple of Botox shots in her life, had deeper forehead lines, as well as ‘crow’s feet’ lines which became visible when she smiled.
Crow’s feet were less noticeable when the regularly treated twin smiled (even at 7 months after treatment) than when the minimally treated twin smiled.
As for the nasolabial folds, neither twin received any Botox injections in the lower half of the face, and the nasolabial folds in Twin 2 were at least as noticeable at rest as those in Twin 1.
This points to the idea that the lack of direct treatments most likely helped to keep that area in a similar condition, with only the natural process of aging affecting it.
“…The differences between the twins in the severity of their forehead and glabellar lines are attributable to the difference in the number of Botox treatments that each received over a long period of time (rather than a greater propensity for skin aging in the minimally treated twin),” the study stated.
In 2012, Binder followed up on the study to gain further insight into the impacts of Botox around the time the twins were 44 years old.
Twin 2 began her regular Botox injections and revealed even more differences between the sisters, showing that she had less noticeable wrinkles around her mouth compared to Twin 1.
Twin 1 (right) also appeared to have a fuller jaw, though it’s unclear whether Botox was a factor in this outcome.
There were other factors that were taken into consideration including the fact that Twin 1 lived in Munich, Germany, while Twin 2 lived in Los Angeles, California.
However, they both worked indoors and used sunscreen when they went outside. Other than the Botox, neither twins had any other treatment to alter the condition of the skin.
“Regarding the aesthetic quality of their skin, consistent long-term treatment with onabotulinumtoxinA [Botox] seems to be the only major difference in the lives of these twins,” Binder concluded.
“With long-term treatment, the patient may become used to having little, if any, need or ability to contract the target muscle and may eventually ‘learn’ to avoid even trying to contract it,” he continued.
“It is also thought that, by relieving the mechanical pressure of chronic muscle contraction in this way, dermal remodeling may be facilitated,” Binder added.
Expert reveals why you hear your heartbeat in your ear when you lie on your pillow
Ever lie down, only to notice the steady rhythm of your heartbeat echoing in your ear? While it might seem strange, hearing your heartbeat through your pillow is actually pretty common—and usually harmless.
Dr. Anthony Youn, a board-certified plastic surgeon from Detroit, explained on TikTok why this happens. “If, every once in a while, you’re lying on your side and you hear your heart beating, it’s most likely your carotid artery basically sitting against your pillow,” he says.
The carotid arteries, located on either side of your neck, carry blood to your brain and neck. When you lie on your side, the artery can press against the pillow, and in a quiet environment, the sound of blood pulsing becomes more noticeable. Most of the time, this isn’t anything to worry about.
But if the noise becomes persistent—occurring even when you’re sitting or standing—it could be a sign of something called pulsatile tinnitus.
This condition involves hearing a rhythmic sound that matches your pulse. Unlike the high-pitched ringing associated with more common forms of tinnitus, pulsatile tinnitus feels more like a “whooshing” or “thumping” sound.
Dr. Youn warns, “But if you’re hearing your heart beating all the time when you’re lying on your side, or especially when you’re standing up, then it could be pulsatile tinnitus.”
There are several potential causes of pulsatile tinnitus, ranging from high blood pressure to irregular blood vessel structures.
It can also result from increased awareness of blood flow in the ears. While the condition is usually benign, it’s essential to rule out more serious underlying problems.
“Although it’s usually benign, there are some potentially concerning causes, so it’s best to see your doctor,” Youn said.
So, what should you do if this happens to you? If you only notice the sound occasionally when lying down, there’s likely no need to worry. However, if it becomes persistent or interferes with your daily life, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
A doctor can assess your symptoms and, if necessary, run tests to check for conditions like high blood pressure or vascular abnormalities.
Hearing your heartbeat through your pillow can be unnerving, but understanding the cause can provide peace of mind. Stay informed, and if you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to seek expert advice.
