- By Shivangi Sharma
- Thu, 13 Mar 2025 09:10 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Olivia Farnsworth, a teenager from Huddersfield, has a rare genetic disorder that makes her immune to pain, never feel hunger, and function on just two hours of sleep. Dubbed the ‘bionic girl,’ Olivia’s extraordinary condition has baffled doctors and captivated the world.
Olivia has a rare genetic anomaly known as chromosome 6p deletion, which occurs when a section of the short arm (p) of chromosome 6 is missing. According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, this condition can lead to developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, and distinct facial features. While many individuals with chromosome 6p deletion exhibit some of these traits, Olivia is believed to be the only known person in the world to experience all three of its most extreme symptoms—an inability to feel pain, a lack of hunger, and minimal need for sleep.
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Life Without Pain Or Fear
Olivia’s mother, Niki Trepak, 32, has spoken about the challenges of raising a child with such an unusual condition. One of the most shocking incidents illustrating Olivia’s insensitivity to pain occurred when she was hit by a car and dragged for ten car lengths down the street. While any other child would have suffered severe injuries, Olivia simply got up and walked away, confused by the commotion but seemingly unbothered by the accident.
“She got run over and dragged down the street by a car, and she didn’t complain,” Niki recalled. “She had a tire mark on her chest, but her only injuries were missing skin on her toe and hip. The doctors think that what saved her was that she didn’t tense up.”
The 'bionic' girl who doesn't eat, rarely sleeps and didn't even feel pain when she was dragged down the street by a car.
— Thái Hưng Lê (@Currency_Secret) December 1, 2023
Doctors diagnosed Olivia Farnsworth with a rare chromosome 6 deletion.
Her mother noticed she never cried as a baby and didn't nap in the day.
She has stayed… pic.twitter.com/cxwcsifw72
Because Olivia does not feel pain, she has no sense of danger, which makes it difficult for her family to ensure her safety. Her condition requires constant supervision to prevent potential accidents that she wouldn’t be able to recognize as harmful.
No Hunger, No Sleep
Another remarkable aspect of Olivia’s condition is her lack of hunger. Unlike most people, she does not feel the urge to eat, meaning her family must remind her to consume food to stay healthy. Additionally, Olivia functions on as little as two hours of sleep per night without experiencing fatigue, something that astonishes medical professionals.
Doctors and researchers remain intrigued by Olivia’s case, as chromosome 6p deletion typically presents differently in affected individuals. While there is still much to learn about her condition, Olivia’s resilience and uniqueness continue to inspire many. Despite the challenges, her family remains dedicated to ensuring she lives a happy and fulfilling life, advocating for further research into this rare genetic disorder.
