Jodie Brock, 7, daughter of Evelyn and Jackie Brock, has been diagnosed with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), which is basically an allergic reaction to the sun due to a hereditary enzyme defect.

Since June, Jodie has learned to live in a darkened world or wear protective clothing that has made her appear different or weird to some children.

The windows of her home and car are tinted and she must wear protective clothing if she goes outside.

Evelyn said Jodie has a rare condition and there is no known cure. She does not know of any other child in this county with the disorder.

"There may be others, but we do not know them," she said.

Jodie’s parents noticed something different about her when she was an infant. She would cry and seem uncomfortable if she was exposed to the sun or fluorescent lights.

When they took her to a pediatrician, she was sent to an allergist and later a dermatologist.

Finally, Dr. Leslie Lawless at Emory Hospital in Atlanta examined her.

"She was the one that diagnosed Jodie," Evelyn said. "It was an answer to our prayers. Finally, we were told what was wrong with our daughter."

"It is difficult to deal with something when you don’t know," Jackie said. "It really hurts when you are told there is no known cure."

He said they were informed that Jodie could experience swelling, burning, itching and redness of the skin if exposed to sunlight, including that which passes through window glass. The skin lesions may progress to a chronic stage persisting for weeks and healing with superficial scars.

"When she has a reaction, she has to be placed in ice baths for two or three hours," Evelyn explained. "This is to stop the pain and itching. It does not go away until two to five days."

According to her mother, Jodie often doesn’t have an appetite.

"When she tries to eat, she gets sick," her father explained.

"She just picks at her food like a little bird."

She does attend school but she can’t participate in physical education or be outside. This limits her activities and affects her younger brother since he wants to go outside to play and she cannot.

"Some days are more difficult than others," Jodie’s father said. "When she cries and gets upset, we hurt for her."

Tears flowed down Evelyn’s cheeks when she explained that she wants people to know Jodie isn’t contagious.

"You can’t catch her disorder," she said. "Children can be cruel and ask her why she has to wear different clothing. When she tells them they respond by calling her strange or weird. They also tell her not to come near or touch them."

She asked parents to teach their children to treat others with respect.

"We don’t want our daughter to feel or be treated differently," she said. "She is a little girl and only has to wear protective clothing because it is necessary."

Jackie, employed by Norfolk Southern, often has to be away from home. He said this makes it difficult for Evelyn.

"Some days we just need someone to listen," he added.

"When she gets upset, we get emotional."

The Brock family attends United Methodist Church in Aragon where Mike Williams is pastor.

"Our church has been a great support to us since our immediately family does not live in Polk," Evelyn said.

She hopes friends Cheryl Hammond and Michelle Badon will help launch a support group to get more information out to the public about this disorder.

A benefit is also planned to raise funds for Jodie’s expenses. In addition, an account has been opened at First National Bank of Polk County.