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Supatra SasuphanThe hairiest girl in the world
Date of Birth: 01.01.2002
Country:  Thailand |
Content:
The World's Hairiest Girl
Supatra Sasupan, a 13-year-old Thai girl, was thrilled when she was officially declared the world's hairiest girl, as the unusual 'accomplishment' made her more popular at school. Nicknames like 'wolf girl', 'werewolf girl', and 'monkey face' almost stopped after she entered the Guinness World Records.
'I'm very happy,' said the record-holder, who is one of only 50 people worldwide with Ambras syndrome, a condition that causes hair to grow over the entire face. 'I'm so delighted to be in the Guinness Book of World Records! It takes a lot of effort for many people to get in there. For me, I just had to answer some questions and it was mine.'
Ambras Syndrome
Since the Middle Ages, only 50 people have been documented with the genetic abnormality that Supatra has. Before its cause was discovered and chromosomal abnormalities were found, people with Ambras syndrome were believed to be werewolves.The main feature of the condition is an abundance of hair, similar to fur, that covers the face, ears, arms, legs, and back. Even laser treatment has not been able to permanently remove the growth.
While many people with Ambras syndrome were ostracized in the past, Saputra's bubbly and outgoing personality have allowed her to fit in and even gain popularity.She gets along well with classmates at her Ratchabophit school, and her fame has only increased her desirability as a friend.
Treatment and Childhood
Doctors have attempted to remove Supatra's hair with laser therapy, but the growth quickly reappears. Supatra explained that people used to tease her and call her 'monkey face,' but such remarks have dwindled since she became known globally.
'I'm so used to it now. I don't feel the hair; it feels like it's supposed to be there. I don't feel anything... Sometimes, when it gets really long, I have trouble seeing. I hope there will be a cure one day,' she said.
Outside of her condition, Supatra is a typical young girl. She enjoys swimming, dancing to music, and playing with friends.However, her favorite pastime is sitting in front of the TV at her home in Pranakom, on the outskirts of Bangkok, and watching cartoons. Her favorite character is Bugs Bunny.
Supatra lives with her 17-year-old sister Sukanya, father Sammrueng, and mother Somphon. Supatra's favorite subject in school is mathematics, which she believes she will excel in to help younger children succeed in maths.
'I want to be a doctor and help people who've been injured... I want to help people who are in pain; I want to help cure them,' she said about her future career goals.
Medical Challenges
Her father, Sammrueng, 38, shared the difficulties that arose after Supatra's birth. Her nostrils were extremely narrow, measuring only 1 mm wide.Because of this, she spent her first three months in an incubator with assistance for breathing. In total, Supatra remained in the hospital for nine months. By the time she turned two, doctors had performed a tracheotomy to ensure she could breathe properly.
At some point, Sammrueng's daughter began growing uncontrollable hair on her face. Neighbors who saw the hairy infant believed Sammrueng had committed a serious sin that Supatra was destined to suffer for. Fortunately, such accusations subsided as people got to know the delightful girl who was endearing and easy to befriend.
As Supatra ages, her hair continues to grow thicker and faster, requiring her mother to trim it more frequently.Somphon washes her daughter's hair with baby shampoo, as Supatra has severe allergies to many hair care products.
Sammrueng remains optimistic about his daughter's future: 'I still have hope that she will one day be cured. We will do everything we can to help her.'
