We’re all born different — but nothing could prepare Alma Gamongan for the shock she faced when her son arrived.
Her baby came into the world with a full head of hair, black sideburns, and thick patches covering his face, neck, back, and arms. Doctors confirmed it: Alma had given birth to a boy with a ‘one-in-a-billion’ medical condition.
But the superstitious mother believes a single habit during her pregnancy may have caused it — and her story is leaving people stunned.
A local superstition
Jaren Gamongan, a two-year-old from Apayao in the Philippines, was born with a full head of hair, black sideburns, and thick patches covering his face, neck, back, and arms — an incredibly rare condition called hypertrichosis, also known as “werewolf syndrome.” Experts say it affects just one in a billion people.
But his mother, Alma Gamongan, believes there may have been a more unusual cause: a local superstition linked to her pregnancy cravings.
“I had uncontrollable cravings for wild cats while I was pregnant,” Alma explained.
“I sought out a black cat from village friends and ate it—sautéed with herbs. I regretted it when Jaren was born.”
In the remote mountain village where Alma lives, locals even encouraged her belief that a curse had caused her son’s appearance.
However, a medical consultation in 2024 finally offered clarity. According to Daily Mail, doctors confirmed that Jaren’s condition is hypertrichosis.
The genetic syndrome that has only 50 to 100 documented cases worldwide since the Middle Ages.
In centuries past, people born with hypertrichosis, or “werewolf syndrome,” were often feared and misunderstood. In Europe and other parts of the world, individuals with the condition were sometimes labeled as monsters, witches, or cursed, and many were displayed in “freak shows” for public entertainment. These people often faced social ostracism and exploitation, with little understanding of the genetic causes behind their appearance.
Today, attitudes have shifted dramatically. In the modern United States and much of the world, people with hypertrichosis are recognized as living with a rare medical condition, not a curse or moral failing.
Very rare
Among Alma’s three children, only her middle child, Jaren, was born with the rare condition. His eldest sister and youngest brother were both born healthy, without any complications.
Dr. Ravelinda Soriano Perez, who examined Jaren, said: “We believe this was an inherited condition, but it is very rare. One in only one billion people could have it.”
Despite his unique appearance, Jaren is a playful, happy toddler. Alma admitted, though, that she worries about the future.
“I worry so much for him when it’s time for school. He might get bullied for being different. I blamed myself when he was born because of the cravings I had. I felt very guilty. But then recently the doctors told me it was not related.”
At just four years old, Jaren already has hair growing down his back, along his arms, and up his neck.
Alma even tried trimming it, but the hair grew back thicker, forcing her to stop. He sometimes complains of itchy rashes in hot weather, so Alma carefully bathes him to keep him comfortable.
Alma said: ”I will give him a bath when it’s hot. We even tried to cut the hair, but it would just grow back even longer and thicker, so we stopped doing it.”
Although there is no cure for hypertrichosis, treatment options exist. Dr. Perez recommended laser hair removal, planning a series of ten sessions over four to six weeks. Each session costs 2,500 Philippine pesos (roughly $35), and Alma is now appealing for help.
“I am very thankful to those who already helped us. I hope my son could have a better chance in life with your help,” she said.
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