A 5kg Tumour Has Taken Over My Leg | BORN DIFFERENT

A TEENAGER from Liberia is hoping to have life-changing surgery to remove an enormous growth on his leg. Charles, 16, has Neurofibromatosis, which causes tumours to grow along his nerves. The rare condition was first noticed by his father, Charles Sr., when he spotted a small black mole on his son’s leg. The tumour now weighs around 5kg and makes life incredibly difficult for Charles. He told Truly: “It can be heavy for me to walk, it can be heavy to move. I can’t go to school and it can be hard to play with my friends.” Charles Sr. says people haven’t always been sympathetic to his son’s condition. He said: “When little children come and they see him, they pass and they run. Some children are afraid when they see the foot.” Now, two Liberian charities, Legacy Holding Foundation and Liberian Women Advocacy Network International, are working together to find a surgeon who can remove the growth. Dr Richards, from local hospital AMI Liberia, told Truly: “I think the leg has gotten bigger since we first saw him. It has become more plexiform, meaning it has folded upon itself." Charles, who wants to be an electrician when he’s older, is staying positive, and hopes he can get the treatment he desperately needs. When asked about his plans after the potential surgery, Charles said: “I will be happy to run with my friends. I will be the happiest man on earth.”