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Eight Year Old with Rare Fatal Disease Is Fighting For His Life by Competing In Triathlons

By Andrew Alpin, 11 April 2017

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2 He fights for his life by trying to fight his obesity

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Today Jake is fighting for his life by competing in triathlons. He even trains with the Malta Youth Triathlon Association thrice a week and the organization is like a second family to him. As cruel as it may seem, Jake’s disease will pile on pounds despite him abiding by a healthy diet and even exercising. He will soon start getting larger because of the condition which till date has been diagnosed in only 100 people worldwide.

Even doctors are not sure how much time he has left as no sufferer of the disease as lived beyond 20.

Jake Vella riding bycycle

Image Source: www.lovinmalta.com

3 He is an active little champ and the Rocky of the real world

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Jake even has a tumor on his back which is one of the symptoms of the disease. But what is so inspiring about this young fighter is the never give up attitude. The Maltese boy with Rohhad disease is the little rocky of the real world. Jake competes in triathlons just to fight the obesity and stay as healthy as possible. According to his mother Maruska, 'Triathlons help Jake to keep fit and active. It's good for his health and also gives him a chance to socialize with other kids.

'He leads a normal life, goes to school, plays the drums, but he has to be very careful not to get sick. We are frightened that a simple flu could lead to other complications.

active little Jake Vella

Image Source: www.dailymail.co.uk

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