Velásquez is medically unable to gain weight, which is a hallmark of her rare disorder. Medical researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center previously speculated that it may be a form of neonatal progeroid syndrome (NPS) ( Wiedemann-Rautenstrauch syndrome), which does not affect Velásquez's healthy bones, organs, and teeth. Her condition bears similarities to many other conditions, especially progeria. Velásquez's condition is a very rare, previously undiagnosed and non- terminal genetic disorder. She is a Roman Catholic and has said of her faith, 'It's been my rock through everything, just having the time to be alone and pray and talk to God and know that He's there for me.' Condition Velásquez studied at Texas State University until late 2012, majoring in communication studies. She was born four weeks prematurely and weighed less than 2 pounds 11 ounces (1,219 grams).

The eldest of three children born to Rita and Guadalupe Velásquez, Lizzie was born on March 13, 1989, in Austin, Texas.

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