BEIJING – Huang Chuncai was born with an extreme case of neurofibromatosis, leading to his nickname “Chinese Elephant Man”. Do not read if you are squeamish.
Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that can cause abnormal growth of neural cell tissue, leading to physical deformity. Chuncai’s case is extreme. By 2007, 50 pounds of tumor tissue has grown on his face, causing the lower half of his face to droop down to his chest. His lefteye is completely covered and his spine has curved due to the extra weight.
In July 2007, he underwent surgery to have 33lb of tumor tissue removed from his face. A second operation in 2008 removed another 10lb. An interview with Chuncai just before the surgery can be seen below:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHjXfPWJZKQ]
Doctors have admitted it is impossible that Chuncai will ever look “normal”, due to permanent disfigurement of his facial bone structure. But they believe he will be able to have a less challenging life.
Poor Chap. I saw the TV programme yesterday evening. My heart goes out to him and his family. I hope the Doctors can improve the results from the first operation. I just didn't like the fact he was in pain after his operation. also, his brother and sister are the best for loving him so much.
Adam
What channel, what program?
I was very upset that the doctors allowed his tumors to grow so much and let him suffer as long as they did. If they had of stepped up long ago he would be able to lead a more normal productive life. The chief of the clinic there gave me the impression that he was only there to get into the limelight. Very sad'
Tom
could'nt help but think that myself, about the chief of the clinic…….
Im real interested in finding out how he is today,its been over a year since the story.I feel he is a hero to live like that and share his story,My daughter learned alot about compassion whatching the program.
Does anyone know where you can donate money/goods to help him and his family? I feel so inspired by his desire to want to help his family. Here in America you would rarely hear one express their desires to get well in order to help. He is such a blessed soul and I am motivated to work harder every day because I have the ability, and that is all due to him. If anyone knows how I can help please respond!
Does anyone know where you can donate money/goods to help him and his family? I feel so inspired by his desire to want to help his family. Here in America you would rarely hear one express their desires to get well in order to help. He is such a blessed soul and I am motivated to work harder every day because I have the ability
I feel for him and pray for him and his family. No one should have to suffer through that. I hope that one day he can have a more normal life. He is lucky to have such a wonderful family!
Was his brother so sweet to be so concerned about his pain and suffering. Poor Hwang. What a wonderful family he has. My heart goes out to the physical and emotional torture he has suffered his whole life. And he wants to get better so he can be a good son and help his parents. What wonderful values. Please let me know if you figure out how we can donate to him and his family.
God bless him. When we whine about little things, we need to remember that other struggle with real problems. I hope he can have enough surgery to be happy.
why the long face?
u are a thoughtless crual pig 4 making such a awful coment. whoever u are may u never have a days luck
Why do you make such horrible comment? It's not a joke. If you live with this condition, I'm sure that you'd wouldn't find it funny at all!
I can't believe this comment has been allowed to be on here- this should be removed!
i will find you and punish you!
not funny at all, rather cruel…….he went to school with people like you….
It is frightening and scary. I wish nobody to be ill like this. I hope this man won't suffer.
Awww…Thats sad. No one should have to suffer the way he did. I hope he gets all the treatment he needs and someday not suffer at all. I hope he gets all better…
The Show is on National Geographic Channel and it's called China's Elephant Man.
As someone with Neurofibromatosis, my heart goes out to Huang and his family. This condition affects approx 1 in 3000 people worldwide and there is no cure. Only the painful removal of tumors when they grow too large. This is such an extreme case and I hope and prayer that Huang has a better quality of life after his operations.
Since I see the program I think about him every day, hope the gets comfort from the operations he has had already and he is a bit happies he is such a lovely man.
No one should go through the pain he has suffered all his life it cruel. Thank god he has such a caring family to help him through his life there are so loving. I wonder what he,s life is like today hope he can cope better. Love Sandra xx
I saw the show. I cant get over the bluntness of the culture, and the humility, and how empathetic his family is. How very touching and telling of humanity and of love for each other.
He actually said that he wanted to get better to take care of his parents because they had taken such good care of him. wow How selfless they all are. I am humbled and inspired.
I would like to know how to donate anything I can to help him get better. It was very heartbreaking to see him and his family suffer and I can tell they are very poor. If anyone has info please post!!
first of all I can't believe someone could be so cruel and make such an awful comment as above. THAT NEEDS TO BE REMOVED! My heart goes out to this man. I'd love to hear more about this man and more about the condition that caused it. prayers are with him and his family.
How can we help this man and his family? Does anyone know how to contact them?
LOL! That is an unique point of view. I am sure I disagree.
My heart goes out to him and his family. God Bless him.
Saw this on Morningstar
Huang come’s from a poor family in a rural area of China, his one wish is to be well enough to earn money to pay back his parents for the care they’ve given him. The huge medical bills are covered by donations, you can donate to the Huang Chuncai fund by using this details:
Account name: Guangzhou Fuda Cancer Hospital
Account Number: 3602 0042 2920 0078 764
Bank: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Guangdong BR.
Switch Code: ICBK CNBJ GDG
This young man is an inspiration, Since I saw the programme I have been praying for him and his family, I cannot get over the lack of bitterness in Huang, He is such a lovely guy. I am so glad the operations so far have gone well. I wish him all the best and hope he gets well enough to be able to have his wish to help his family. My heart goes out to him and his family. God bless him. xxxxxxD
Does anybody know how he is now
I mean NOW
Would anyone perhaps know if they did the second operation and what his current status is?? I watched the program and it ended after the 1st operation which appeared to be successful. They were going to do a second one and I would really like to know how it went.
this story is realy about and alien from cinese world and look's like a pig dog looking space alien recently found in australia hiding in cafe it's suit went crazy.recently retired m.i.b all star agent Sir Mr Matthew.L.Sotheran. thank's.
Seriously.. Wtf. Lay off the drugs and leave comments to actual decent human beings. So pathetic to call you a human. I feel sorry for whoever claims you as their son.