Bad News
He hated seeing his mother sad, but as the doctor explained what was causing his growth problems, even he couldn’t help but feel devastated.
The words “never stop” rattled around in his young brain, trying to understand why he had been born so different.
Mom's Stories
All kids grow up with parents sharing stories of how they came into the world.
But for Broc, his unique life had started off with a surprisingly average birth. His mom would shake her head in disbelief that he had only come in just under 8 pounds and 22 inches long.
Seemed Normal
His mother, Darci, hadn’t noticed anything wrong with Broc – even during his first couple growth spurts.
After all, a child growing like a weed wasn’t anything new. However, it wasn’t until kindergarten did his mom notice something was off. All he could remember were the colorful building blocks and craft glue.
Big Kid
While most boys that age were standing around 3 feet tall, Broc towered over them at just over 5 feet!
Nothing phased him though. It was just wonderful games and other fun children. Things took a turn, however, when Broc could finally take real notice of how people acted around him. It usually started with stares.
Taller Than Mom
He had started first grade and he was already as tall as his mother!
At home, his size meant nothing, but he still could remember the moment he walked in and felt like a giant. The tiny kids looked up at him and either went quiet in confusion or giggled and pointed.
Missing Out
Then there was sadness and frustration.
He wanted to ride a bike, but his mother couldn’t hold him up to practice. And when he fell and cried, she couldn’t pick him up and cradle him in her arms like the other kids. He wanted to feel her huge hug, but her arms just weren’t long enough. Then there were the tests.
Unending Tests
Broc remembered sitting in the doctor’s office, hoping the plastic chair wouldn’t crumble under his weight.
They had already gone through so many tests, and he was sick of x-rays, scans, and needles. All he wanted was to go outside and play, but his muscles hurt too much. When the diagnosis finally came in, he saw his mother turn pale.
Rare Condition
It was called Sotos Syndrome or "cerebral gigantism” and it was a rare condition.
To make matters worse, he was growing even faster than other people who suffered from the same problem. “I don’t know if he’ll ever stop growing,” the doctor said. “And this is dangerous for his heart.”
How Long?
Being so big was already impossible. Everywhere he went, people would make fun of him.
But now this man was saying he would have a low life expectancy. He saw the tears build in his mother’s eyes and felt the same wetness on his cheeks. What there anything they could do?
Growing Pains
His spine was already a weird shape, he only had one kidney, and the growing pains would never stop.
He had to sleep 16 hours a day when the spurts got really bad. Part of him wanted to feel sorry for himself, but if he only had a little to live, he was going to make the most of it! And, maybe the doctors would be wrong!
Expensive Basics
Broc knew he had the best parents.
They did everything they could to get him special clothes, shoes, and furniture, even though it was really expensive for them. They got donations, gifts, and other help from the community. He also got to be on television!
World Record
First, he won the temporary title of “tallest teen in the world” in Guinness Book of Records.
He also got to be on a documentary about tall kids and other people like him. It was so amazing to meet others with the same problem – people who truly understood. He also got a basketball surprise.
Living Life
He couldn’t believe it! Someone had donated tickets to see a professional basketball game, and they had already arranged a special plane for his family!
Taking the court and being taller than the actual players was the coolest thing ever. Broc was happy just to live his life however he could. His mother, however, wasn’t giving up.
A New Doctor
Another appointment across the country brought him to a specialist.
A that time, he had already proven the other doctors wrong – and was well into his teens. The end of the meeting came with tears again. But this time they were happy. Since he had gone this far, the doctor said he was out of danger for heart issues.
Future Plans
This was the best news ever! It didn’t matter if he wouldn’t stop growing.
He could become the tallest person in the world! He could get a job, make money, help his family, and have a real life like everyone else – maybe just with a bigger car.