Over the years, we have shared numerous amazing stories about resilient children who defied the odds. But one story that deeply resonated with our readers is Tomm Tennet’s. Born with enough skin to cover a 5-year-old, Tomm astonished doctors with his wrinkled appearance. His dad, Geoff Tennent, expressed shock, saying he hadn’t seen anything like it before. Since Tomm’s extraordinary birth in 2003, his journey with his family has been full of challenges. However, looking at him in 2021, it’s hard not to feel moved by the remarkable progress he has made.
In 1993, when Tomm Tennent entered the world in South East Australia, his parents quickly realized he was no ordinary baby. Prior to his birth, little did they know that their son would be labeled a medical mystery, as ultrasound scans indicated that things were not as they should be. Faced with this information, Tomm’s parents grappled with the decision of whether to keep the child. “We discussed it between us, and we decided to go through with it, believing that whatever is meant to be will be,” shared Tomm’s dad, Geoff Tennent.
Even with all the tests and regular check-ups, the gravity of Tomm’s condition took everyone by surprise. His parents confessed to being startled when they laid eyes on him for the first time. In the delivery room, Tomm’s mom, Debbie Tennent, felt a mix of shock and warmth when her son was placed on her chest.
“My heart leaped to my throat, but at the same time, it was a beautiful moment to pick him up and cuddle him,” she expressed.
To doctors, Tomm, born with lots of wrinkled skin, was a puzzle. They couldn’t figure out why it happened, and there was no cure. They hoped he’d grow into his skin as he got older. But because Tomm was so unique, researchers decided to spend time and money studying his case, trying to solve the mystery of his condition.
Tomm stayed in the hospital for two and a half months, getting lots of tests done. It was a big challenge for scientists because he was the first child ever born with so much extra skin, and there were no similar cases to learn from. It was a tough time for the Tennent family. Being in the hospital for months with a newborn isn’t easy. But Geoff and Debbie found strength in their strong baby boy. Tomm stayed a lovable toddler, not aware of his special condition.
During this period, doctors tirelessly worked to find a solution to Tomm’s medical issues. Upon further investigation, they stumbled upon an unexpected revelation. The experts noticed similarities between Tomm’s appearance and the Chinese dog breed Shar Pei, leading them to crucial insights.
Researchers found that Tomm’s level of Hyaluronic acid, a substance in the skin, was 100 times higher than normal, a trait shared with Shar Pei puppies. Since Hyaluronic acid levels decrease as Shar Peis mature, resulting in a more typical skin appearance, doctors held onto the hope that the same might happen for Tomm.
Fortunately, it did happen.
As Dr. Andrew Ramsden, his doctor, predicted, Tomm’s condition gradually disappeared as he grew older. Driven by resilience, Tomm faced challenges while growing up. Despite being loved and well-known in his hometown, some kids teased him, especially when he started school. Initially facing rejection, Tomm didn’t let it dishearten him, and soon enough, he made many friends, fully integrating into school life. Although he still looked a bit different during those years, it wasn’t as pronounced as when he was born.
In 2003, when asked about his friends’ perceptions, Tomm responded, “Not really… because they are my friends, and they don’t really care how I look.” Reflecting on his self-image, Tomm shared with 60 Minutes that when he looked in the mirror, he saw “a kind, loving person.”
He went on to say, “Sometimes people say I look cool, sometimes they say I look really cool, and sometimes they don’t say anything.”
Undoubtedly, Tomm’s parents have consistently been immensely proud of their extraordinary son.
“He’s a good boy… doing well in school and everything,” his dad said.
His parents made it clear that from the moment he was born, they never wanted to hide him. They believe that real beauty goes beyond just the outer appearance and comes from within.
Today marks 28 years since Tomm amazed doctors at birth. After the 60 Minutes documentary, many people wanted to know about the boy with the big smile and excessive skin. However, traditional media hasn’t followed up much.
Checking his Facebook, it seems Tomm married Hannah, the love of his life, and they live happily in Frankston, a suburb of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia.
A quote on his Facebook sums up his mindset: “Life’s simple. You make choices, and you don’t look back.” It’s heartwarming to see him today, still with that same wonderful smile from 20 years ago, isn’t it?