From the moment Tom was born in 1993, his family sensed he was special. But they never expected him to be a medical mystery.
Even before birth, ultrasound scans revealed abnormalities, leaving his parents uncertain about continuing the pregnancy. Ultimately, they chose to move forward.
When Tom arrived, his parents were shocked – his body was covered in an unusual amount of excess skin. Doctors were baffled. With no diagnosis or treatment, they could only hope he would “grow into” his skin.
Scientists studied his case for over two months, eventually discovering a surprising link: Tom’s condition resembled the skin characteristics of Shar-Pei puppies. His body contained 100 times the normal level of hyaluronic acid, a substance that decreases as Shar-Peis age. Doctors hoped the same would happen to Tom – and it did.
Growing up wasn’t easy. He faced teasing, but his confidence never wavered. Over time, his condition became less pronounced, and he found acceptance among friends.
Now 28, Tom lives happily in Melbourne with his wife, Hannah. He embraces life fully, once saying, “Life is simple. You make a decision and don’t look back.” When asked what he’d change about himself, his answer was simple: “Probably nothing.”
