Suzanne Heijnen has Prader-Willi syndrome. The genetic disorder's most prominent symptom is an insatiable appetite -- you never feel full. Photographer Peggy Ickenroth spent two weeks with Suzanne and her family, hoping to learn more about the disease and how it affects people.
Peggy Ickenroth/Visura
Other symptoms of Prader-Willi include low muscle tone, developmental delays and difficulty controlling emotions. Suzanne's spine is in such a bad condition that it's crushing her lungs, Ickenroth said. She needs to wear this brace all the time.
Peggy Ickenroth/Visura
Suzanne's mother checks her teeth.
Peggy Ickenroth/Visura
Suzanne looks in the fridge for a healthy snack that she's allowed to have in the afternoon. She has been on a limited diet since age 2.
Peggy Ickenroth/Visura
Suzanne's parents serve her food on a special plate to make it look fuller.
Peggy Ickenroth/Visura
Suzanne takes judo to build strength and keep her weight under control.
Peggy Ickenroth/Visura
Suzanne and her mother ride a specialized bike together.
Peggy Ickenroth/Visura
Suzanne plays with dolls at the family's home in the Netherlands.
Peggy Ickenroth/Visura
Suzanne's mother helps her take a shower.
Peggy Ickenroth/Visura
Suzanne's dad makes her breakfast before going to work. Suzanne only allows somebody else to prepare it for her in very rare circumstances, Ickenroth said.
Peggy Ickenroth/Visura
"During the days that I've followed Suzanne, I saw many sides of her: happy Suzanne, sad Suzanne, excited Suzanne etc.," Ickenroth said. "I feel like in this moment I've seen the young woman that is inside of her."