James was born with a rare skin condition that earned him the nickname “Turtle Boy” due to a growth on his back resembling a turtle shell. His parents, Kaitlyn and her partner, were shocked, as multiple ultrasounds during pregnancy had shown no signs of the condition.

At birth, James had scabs and lumps on his back, which quickly spread, eventually covering 75% of his back. The unusual growth made sleeping uncomfortable, and doctors struggled to diagnose it. Concerned, his parents pursued medical tests, including an MRI, to ensure the growth wasn’t internal. Fortunately, it was only a skin condition, known as a nevus.

At just 2.5 months old, James underwent surgery to remove the nevus. The procedure was a success, easing his parents’ fears about internal complications. Seeking further support, they joined a Facebook group for families facing similar challenges, where they learned about potential discomfort and itchiness during healing.

A specialist introduced them to tissue expansion, a treatment involving weekly saline injections to stretch the skin. Though challenging, James grew more comfortable. By summer, the family hoped the shell-like growth would be completely gone. We wish them happiness and strength in their journey ahead.