PRF was established in March 1999 to discover the cause, find the treatment, and identify a cure for Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, a "premature aging" condition that is uniformly fatal: children die of heart disease at an average age of 13. Progeria affects both sexes and all races equally, but there is still too little medical information about it, and too little research underway-though unlocking its mysteries may help not only afflicted children but also millions who suffer from heart disease and age-related conditions. PRF's programs encourage scientific exploration, provide up-to-date medical information, and offer educational tools and resources for families, health care providers, and scientists. PRF also uses public education and outreach campaigns to create greater sensitivity to children with Progeria, promote accurate and timely diagnosis, and increase the dollars allocated to Progeria research. Your support helps the children and hastens the quest for a cure.