The Teen Who Smells Of Fish | BORN DIFFERENT

A TEEN from Florida, USA was born with a rare condition that causes her to constantly smell of fish. Alyssa Pursely suffers from Trimethylaminuria - a condition in which the body cannot break down the chemical trimethylamine, an organic compound found in many foods. Trimethylamine has a strong smell which is similar to that of rotting fish. Alyssa often experiences a build up of trimethylamine, which is what causes her odor. Alyssa’s mother, Kacee, knew from birth that Alyssa had an issue, however due to the rarity of the condition it wasn’t until Alyssa was six years old that she was diagnosed. There is no known cure for Alyssa’s condition, but she does try to control it as best she can by avoiding certain foods like fish, milk and green vegetables, as well as by covering the smell with deodorant and perfume. From a young age, Alyssa was teased and bullied at school for her condition. The young teen said: "There is always someone that notices it, the bullying will never stop." The incessant bullying meant for a long time Alyssa lacked any confidence. However, after joining a softball team Alyssa turned a corner. She says that her teammates didn’t really care about the smell and only wanted to help her become a better player. Being on the softball team has lifted Alyssa and she has come to accept herself and her condition, stating: "I have to live with it, it’s never going to go away, I just need to surround myself with people who don’t notice it, or who at least ignore it." Alyssa hopes in the future to go to college and represent the state of Alabama in softball.