In a world where much attention — often too much attention — is paid to one's physical appearance, an 11-year-old boy is challenging everything we know about beauty.
Ethan D'Amato has a condition called Neurofibromatosis type one, or NF1. The rare illness caused him to be born with numerous severe tumors on the right side of his face. The little boy from Dallas, Texas, has been given the option to remove the tumors over and over again.
"They look at me differently. They give me frowns. One time a 4-year-old kid called me a 'thing,'" Ethan says. "I'm a normal human being."
Yet, each time Ethan refuses the surgery. The reason? The operation could cause severe nerve damage, resulting in the loss of his ability to use his facial muscles; the operation could cost him his ability to smile. Although his appearance has caused him to be bullied and has even caused small children to cry, Ethan is intent on spreading joy and educating others about his rare condition. Like Lizzie Velasquez who was called the "World's Ugliest Woman," he is more interested in inspiring others than conforming to what they think beauty is.
Instead of getting upset by the stares, Ethan approaches people on the street while performing as a violinist and hands them informative pamphlets.
"They begin to understand what it is and share it with their family and friends," he says. You can see the looks of gawkers quickly turn into smiles as Ethan charms them with his joyful personality.
See Ethan's courageous story below and please SHARE if you think he has one big, beautiful smile!
Boy Rejects Tumour Surgery To Save His Smile by BarcroftTV
