NY Mets Fundraise For NJ Child With Rare, ‘Rapid Aging’ Disease

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The New York Mets are set to help a New Jersey child with a rare, "rapid aging" disease to celebrate her seventh birthday later this month.

During their game against the Phillies on Sept. 24, the Mets will welcome guest of honor Zoey Aster Penny, a Verona resident who suffers from Progeria, a rare genetic disorder that causes children to age seven to 10 times faster than normal.

“Children with this rare disease die of heart attacks and strokes at an average age of just 14 years, but thanks to The Progeria Research Foundation (PRF), there is hope for a cure,” Mets officials said.

With every ticket purchased on Sept. 24, $30 will go directly to PRF's research efforts to cure Zoey and other children with Progeria, Mets officials stated.

Penny’s grandparents, John and Marlene Marozzi, provided an update about the Mets tribute on their website, TeamZoey.com, which shares information about fundraisers and community events in her support.

The PRF website provides a biography of Penny, stating that she loves school, dancing, singing, drawing, writing and helping her mom cook.

“In July of 2013, Zoey began taking lonafarnib as part of the Trial Expansion,” the PRF states. “Zoey’s parents were anxious for her to enroll in the drug trial, and they’re thrilled that she is now participating. Her family leads PRF’s New Jersey Chapter, Team Zoey, which is helping PRF to raise the funds needed to pay for Zoey and the other new children entering the trial.”

MORE ABOUT PROGERIA

According to the PRF, there are 135 known children in the world living with Progeria as of June 2016.

Penny’s struggles and successes were part of a PRF video that gives a voice to some of the children diagnosed with the condition, which can be seen below.

Photo: Zoey Penny in 2011 (18-months-old)

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