Tomm Tennent was born with enough skin for a five-year-old child
A unique child
When Tomm Tennent was born, in South East Australia in 1993, his parents soon realized that he was going to be a special baby.
But before the birth, no one could have guessed that their boy would be described as a medical mystery. However, ultrasounds showed that not everything was how it should be.
”We sort of discussed this between us, and we decided what’s meant to be is meant to be and we went through with it,” Tomm’s dad, Geoff Tennent, said.
Despite all the tests and routine examinations, no one could have imagined the severity of Tomm’s condition. His parents admitted they were shocked upon seeing him for the first time.
Tomm’s mom, Debbie Tennent, was shocked when her son was placed on her chest in the delivery room.
“My heart came up to my throat, but at the same time it was lovely to pick him up and cuddle him,” she said.
Medical mystery
To medical experts, the boy born wrinkled by an excess of skin was a mystery. They couldn’t figure out what was causing Tomm’s excessive skin, and as a result, they had no treatment and no cure. At first, they were left to hope that he would grow into his skin as he got older.
But Tomm was so unique that researchers decided to invest time and money into studying his case, in a bid to solve the mystery surrounding his condition.
In total, Tomm would spend two and a half months in a medical center, undergoing tests and analysis. Needless to say, scientists faced a huge challenge. Since Tomm was the first child on record born with so much skin, there were no precedents to turn to.
Of course, it was a very trying time for the Tennent family. No parent with a newborn baby wants to spend months at the hospital with all that entails. However, Geoff and Debbie, found energy when looking at their strong baby boy. Tomm always remained a lovable toddler, totally unaware of his condition.
