AN 18-year-old girl has died after living with an extremely rare disease that left her trapped in the body of a child. Elena’s mother Andreea documented her battle against the disease on social media, and her followers were devastated by the news. Elena was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease in 2016 - making her the only known case in her home country of Italy. Those with the genetic disorder typically suffer from seizures, intellectual disability and ataxia, a neurological condition causing a lack of muscle coordination.
![[Girl with rare genetic disorder drawing at a table.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/dads-andreea-said-keep-fighting-971096690_e11fa3.jpg?strip=all&w=768)
Elena weighed very little and struggled to grow, and many of her organs did not function properly due to complications caused by the disease. But this did not stop Elena from living life to the fullest and she was renowned for her infectious spirit and her love for life, music and creativity. The disease is so rare that there have only been 18 known cases of the disease worldwide as of 2020, according to the Journal of Medical Genetics.Elena’s mum Andreea updated her 220,000 followers on Instagram on her condition on Friday as she spent time in the hospital.
![[Girl with rare genetic disorder drawing at a table.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/dads-andreea-said-keep-fighting-971096660.jpg?strip=all&w=768)
While there is no treatment for the disease, the family remained hopeful that she would live a happy life. Speaking before her death, Andreea said: “You are our life - mine and your dad's. “Keep on fighting, princess. “First day of targeted care, gone. “Tomorrow we start again towards a bright smile like yours, you will conquer it again. “Keep going, as you know how to do.”. Two days later, Andreea shared a photo of Elena smiling along with an emotional message.
![[Girl holding a book.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/dads-andreea-said-keep-fighting-971096580.jpg?strip=all&w=768)
The caption read: “Elena, darling I want to remember you with this smile. “Now you will be singing with angels. “Your family will love you forever. “One day we'll see each other again.”. Her followers were quick to leave messages of love and support. One user said: “Elena has touched the lives of so many people all over the world. Another added: “Knowing you and being able to be with you was an honour and a privilege”.
![[Smiling girl in a hospital bed using a tablet.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/dads-andreea-said-keep-fighting-971096695.jpg?strip=all&w=768)
