Celebrities With Noonan Syndrome

Noonan syndrome is a genetic condition that comes with several health challenges for the carrier. It is present from birth even though there are chances that it may not be diagnosed until a child gets older.

The Noonan syndrome can affect anyone, not even the high and mighty can escape it. Many celebrities prefer to keep their health challenge off the media. This post will look at a few famous people who have been linked to this health challenge.

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Here are 5 Celebrities With Noonan Syndrome

1. Frankie Muniz

Frank is an American actor and race car driver. He is best known for his role as Malcolm in the sitcom Malcolm in the Middle, Big Fat Liar (2002) and Agent Cody Banks (2003). He revealed that he was born with a small heart and had open-heart surgery at age 19. He also suffers from mini-strokes and memory loss. These challenges have not stopped him from chasing his dream.

2. John Lennon

John Lennon was a famous singer, songwriter, and co-founder of The Beatles. He passed away, but his legacy lives on. There is some speculation that he may have had Noonan Syndrome, although no official reports confirm this. His physical features, including a low-set hairline, droopy eyelids, a wide nose, a small jaw, and a short neck, are often associated with the disorder. Lennon also struggled with poor vision and dyslexia.

3. Francisco de Goya

There are several speculations as to what was the cause of the famous Spanish painter and printmaker’s health challenge. Goya suffered from hearing loss, vertigo, and mental instability. Considered one of the greatest artists of all time, his painting, Los Pobres en la Fuente portrays a boy with many of the signs of the disorder, such as a large head, low-set ears, a wide nose, and a short neck.

4. Jackie Evancho

Another popular person believed to have Noonan syndrome is America’s Got Talent star Jackie Evancho. She has some of the physical traits of the disorder, such as a small stature and a heart murmur. The singer also talked about having an eating disorder, which she is still working hard to overcome.

5. Jason Buehler

Jason Blade, a professional wrestler and actor, was diagnosed with Noonan Syndrome at the age of two, after undergoing heart surgery. This disorder affected his facial features, resulting in low-set ears and a wider nose. He overcame learning disabilities and speech problems by working hard and following his passion for wrestling.

What Causes Noonan Syndrome?

Noonan syndrome is caused by a genetic mutation in one of several genes. So far, at least 8 different faulty genes have been associated with the condition. In some cases, the mutated gene is inherited from one of the parents. The parent with the mutated gene may or may not have the physical features of Noonan syndrome. The presence of the condition in a child requires only one parent to carry the mutation, and each child they have has a 50% chance of being born with the condition.

In other cases, the condition is caused by a new genetic mutation that is not inherited from the parents. In these cases, the chance of having another child with Noonan syndrome is very low. Noonan syndrome can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, life-threatening. However, many problems associated with the condition can be treated successfully at a young age or become less prominent over time. Most children with the genetic condition become adults and can lead normal lives.

Nonetheless, certain problems such as heart defects can occasionally be severe and life-threatening. Some children may require emergency surgery to correct the issue as soon as possible, and most people with Noonan syndrome will need to have their heart monitored regularly throughout their lives.

Common Features of Noonan Syndrome

Unusual facial features, such as a broad forehead, drooping eyelids, and a wider-than-usual distance between the eyes
Short stature
Heart defects

7 Facts About Noonan Syndrome

1 in 5 people who are diagnosed with Noonan syndrome will have no known cause for their disorder
85% of children born with Noonan Syndrome will develop some sort of cardiovascular problem at some point in their lives.
25% of those who are born with Noonan syndrome will experience some level of language development delay.
75% of the cases of Noonan syndrome come from inherited cases instead of random mutations.
There is no current cure for Noonan syndrome. Treatment plans are designed to relieve bothersome symptoms as much as possible.
50% of those with Noonan syndrome will also develop at least one or more eye conditions.
60% of boys with Noonan syndrome will have reproductive system issues.