Home / Health / Sun's Rays a Deadly Threat to Sisters
Sun's Rays a Deadly Threat to Sisters
16 Jan
Summary
- Sisters Amielle, 12, and Taya, 7, have rare Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP).
- XP disorder makes sun exposure 10,000 times more likely to cause cancer.
- Family seeks funds to build a $280,000 UV-protected garden structure.
Amielle, 12, and Taya Walker, 7, are battling Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP), a rare genetic disorder impacting one in a million individuals worldwide. This condition renders ultraviolet (UV) radiation extremely hazardous to their skin, elevating their skin cancer risk by a factor of 10,000. Daily life requires them to wear layers of protective clothing and hoods to venture outside.
The sisters' journey to diagnosis was prolonged, with their mother, Yvette, facing years of medical uncertainty. A breakthrough occurred in December 2020 when a dermatologist finally identified XP, a diagnosis that profoundly altered the family's life. The disorder necessitates extensive protective measures at home, in vehicles, and at school, significantly impacting their social activities and daily routines.
To mitigate the dangers of sun exposure, the Walker family is fundraising for a $280,000 UV-protected garden structure, having already raised $102,000 toward their $250,000 goal. This initiative aims to provide a safe outdoor space for the girls, acknowledging that while XP cannot be cured, its impacts can be managed through protective environments and proactive health.
