Once Compared to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, 6-Year-Old Now Sees Himself Without 11-Pound Mole on His Back
- Posted on July 9, 2012 at 11:00pm by
Liz Klimas
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Didier has been compared to a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. It’s not because he loves the cartoon action characters though. Living in a remote Colombian village, it is unlikely he’s ever even seen a picture of them. Didier literally appears to have the back like that of a turtle — he even has the nickname “turtle boy.”
(Image: Channel 4 via Daily Mail)
According to physicians, nearly three-quarters of his body was covered by a rare type of mole called congenital melanocytic nevus. The mass covered the whole of his back and extended around toward his stomach.
Didier’s mole was removed in April and found to not be malignant. Now, National Geographic has released footage of Didier seeing himself mole-free for the first time. Watch the preview for the show that aired Sunday night:
Didier is the perfect example of the viral nature of today’s worldwide media. Even though he lives in a remote village, if it weren’t for the way news spreads today, he may never have gotten the chance to attend school or do other things young children do. Watch National Geographic‘s brief clip on the effect of the media on Didier’s case:
Channel 4 in the U.K. also featured the April surgery on its program “Bodyshock,” and states in addition to removal of the mole, the surgery involved a series of complicated skin grafts. The Daily Mail reported that before his story became publicized, the family was ostracized by villagers believing supernatural powers were the cause of Didier’s plight. The Daily Mail noted Didier saying at the time, “I want to grow up, but the mole won’t let me.” Neil Bulstrode was the plastic surgeon who operated on the boy.
(Image: Channel 4 via Daily Mail)
(Image: Channel 4 via Daily Mail)
The National Institute of Health published a report that states congenital malanocytic nevi affects 1 percent of newborns. Most do not reach the size of Didier’s mole.
The Huffington Post reports Didier being speechless when he first glimpsed himself without the giant mole.
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Comments (90)
teddyc73
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 7:50amOnce again Im stunned by the comments. Have we gotten to the point where we can no longer show compassion to a fellow human being, in this case a child, just because they live outside our home nation’s border or dont share our ideology? Is that really where we are? “He’s not American so screw him, stop using taxpayers money” Really? “He’s a liberal, he’s a conservative, they should all go away and die” Seriously? I really hope, truly hope that the hate that is so prevalent on the internet is coming from a very very VERY small percentage of the human population. This boy had a new life because of the compassion of other people willing to help him, why cant we celebrate that and wish him well?
Report Post »Nahum
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 8:13amI wouldn’t worry about comments. For the most part they are written by adolescents who are just trying to be clever, or shocking.
Report Post »little big man
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 11:35amThis story was on Nat G.O the other night..
I was watching it but it was real late and had to catch some shut eye. glad to see the little fellow made out ok.
As for person who feels more for the dog then the kid I can understand this also. I don’t wish this poor kid bad, but I too like dogs better. see I have no kids, but my taxes pay for everyone elses kids to do this and that. I get no child tax credits come income tax time, but get screwed instead. so yes I am more for dogs persay then kids in general.
Sorry, but that‘s just the way I feel and that’s my right.
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 12:21pmYou are spewing for nothing. Americans do more than anyone to help people. We do not have to be ordered to do anything, but we better know many of those who have been helped by Americans bite the hands that help them. These people come into our country and feed off the American people and then commit crimes unspeakable against the country and her people. This will stop because the American people owe no one anything but to pay our debts (thanks to Obama) and to keep those out who are not legal.
Report Post »Ben Kenobi
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 4:42pmFew comments were off. Most of the bad ones seem to be from people who are stuck on stupid. They would complain if you hung them with a new rope.
Report Post »I’m glad the kid get a chance at a life. I hope he lives it well.
Question with BOLDness
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 11:24pmThe surgery wasn’t in America was it? American tax payers didn’t pay for this, did they (we)? Didn’t she say they were going to Bogota? As far as I know, that’s not in America. The villagers took up a collection for him.
I’m glad the boy got this mole removed.
Report Post »Deborah
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 6:45amWhy is this being politicized? Thank God for the surgeon who gave of himself to give this boy a life!! Thank you, Dr. Bulstrode!!
Report Post »NC1
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 9:44amAmen to that.
Report Post »Mainer forever
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 10:38amAbsoulty Right……Little kids are Gods gifts.
Report Post »DesdemonasCrew
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 3:25pmI am totally in agreement with. Nobody deserves our charity more than kids.
Report Post »MrObvious
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 6:17amGood story, about the kid – good for him. I gladly contribute to private organizations that help people in need. There are many that bring food and medicine to the 3rd world.
Notice: I said private organizations.
Public organizations (IE government) should not be in charge of charity work. Letting them engage in that, without offering us opt-outs in advance, as we all have for over a century, risks having excessive centralized power, like we’re experiencing now.
All charitable expenditures of our federal government should be optionally contributed to, on a program by program basis and, in some larger instances, case by case.
The same power that lets our government help that one boy has allowed it to indirectly (and in some cases directly) harm millions of others.
Report Post »maryjanesuncle
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 5:31amIts seems both sides have low life’s…if you judge by these comments.
Report Post »IOWAGIR
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 4:40amI am shocked and maybe shouldn’t be by some of the cold hearted remarks. A child is a child no matter where he or she is from. This was a nice story about a child and charity. Doctors who perform miracles are angles of mercy on this Earth. God bless them and all the children.
Report Post »nelbert
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 6:32amAgree. It almost makes one feel soiled for being on the same site as some of these folk.
Good wishes to the child and his family and to all those who aided in this endeavor.
Report Post »glennpatstu
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 3:03pmYup. And how many of the people making these comments call themselves Christian? Probably all of them. Disgusting really. But then again, it must be hard to be a conservative Christian- your faith preaches selflessness, but your politics preach total selfishness. See Ayn Rand- basically says, screw you, I’ve got mine. Very Christian indeed.
Report Post »LameLiberals
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 3:42amHere is a sad story about an American dog. I feel for it and the American owners. I feel zip for this kid and his mother-just keep my taxpayer money out of their pockets.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2171141/Heartbreaking-photo-shows-grief-dog-owner-moments-police-shoot-dead-friendly-family-pet.html
Heartbreaking photo/video shows grief stricken dog owner after police shoot family pet when chasing a bunch of kids.
Report Post »nelbert
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 6:29amBrain …
Report Post »Grow one and attach the stem.
CABERNETQHS
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 8:16amWhat is it about lameliberals that feel more for animals or some ecological cause than their fellow human beings. Oh yes…lost and faithless. Thank God ,literally, that Jesus did not think like you
Report Post »IOWAGIR
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 10:18amI pitty you. What happed to you that you have more sympothy for a dog than a child. That’s just sad and scarry. I‘m sure you’re a tree hugger. Your user name should just be LAME.
Report Post »3monkeysmomma
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 10:19amYou need to learn to speak English. What about “people from all over Columbia raised money for his surgery” do you find confusing?
Since you’re so concerned about money you should be please to know most local community colleges offer no cost adult literacy and GED classes. Why don’t you give them a call and see if they can help you. I realize there’s no cure for stupid, but I‘m certain they can’t make you any dumber so you’ve got nothing to lose.
Report Post »LameLiberals
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 12:00pmThe USA cannot save the world and it is no use trying to. We are TRILLIONS in debt. If the Colombians raised money for him – GREAT. Stay out of my pocket. And yes, I do care more for an American pet than I do for any human overseas or in Mexico. The pity party is over.
We have children in THIS COUNTRY who have pity stories. The Blaze needs to concentrate on THEM and forget the others.
Report Post »glennpatstu
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 3:12pmLameliberal- are you a Christian? Wait, let me rephrase that since clearly you aren’t- do you claim to be Christian?
Report Post »Conservative-Atheist
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 6:13pm@LameLiberals
I feel zip for this kid and his mother
How pathetic are you? (doesn’t require an answer)
Report Post »LameLiberals
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 3:29amENOUGH of parading children around tugging at USA heartstrings. I am NOT concerned at all. Let Columbia pay for their own people’s healthcare and natural catastrophes, etc. I flat out REFUSE to give to any organizations that assist any people other than LEGAL American citizens (young and old)
Obama gave $3 BILLION to Columbia to build a new oil refinery? It was a loan – LOL!! We will NEVER see a penny. The USA has not build a new oil refinery since 1976!!!! Ours are old, inefficient and cause higher gasoline prices because there are so few of them.
Guess where Columbia is selling their refined oil to? The USA – NOPE!! CHINA- YES.
http://mb50.wordpress.com/2011/04/19/u-s-govt-agency-plans-2-84-billion-loan-for-oil-refineryin-colombia/
Report Post »beekeeper
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 7:51amOur domestic oil refineries are no t in as sad a state as you describe:
We haven’t built a new refinery because the paperwork/hurdles to jump through are incredible, compared with simple “expansion” of existing refineries
We don’t have a capacity problem, remember the Keystone Pipeline XL – the whole point of it was to bring crude oil from Canada to refineries in the Gulf region that have the capacity to process it, and reduce oil imports from overseas
You’d be hard pressed to find any original pieces in any domestic oil refinery – through near-constant improvements and expansions, most refineries have been effectively rebuilt at least once since they were constructed.
Report Post »Libertyluvnmomma
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 8:23amLamebot- aren’t you special. pat yourself on your own back for your fiscally moral generosity.
It’s so refreshing to see you standing on that side of the line you drew.
Report Post »bikerr
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 11:05am@ lameliberals–You posted in part “I flat out REFUSE to give to any organizations that assist any people other than LEGAL American citizens (young and old) “.—–Columbia is in South America, the people living there are still AMERICANS!. Stop making a fool of yourself. Yes ,you did say at first USA ,but then said the above. Your arrogance is showing.
Report Post »Basharr
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 3:07pmI have to say my heart goes out to any human being facing something like this. Anybody who is to jaded to understand compassion needs a wake-up call about the merits of humanity.
Report Post »trueamerican40
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 3:29amI’ll take an 11 lb. mole anyday over a 1000 lb. cross that I have to carry every day. Sheesh! If this kid had to rely on Obamacare…this poor kid would be swallowed by it eventually.
Report Post »Captain Crunch
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 2:51am“If Obama had a mole….”.
Report Post »Tidbit
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 7:06amGood one!!!
Report Post »BehindTheMouth
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 8:50amHe does, his brain
Report Post »paperpushermj
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 2:27amAren’t their over the counter medicines for mole removal.
Report Post »3monkeysmomma
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 10:21amwarts. not moles.
Report Post »RagingClam
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 1:50amYou fools!!! Don‘t you recognize one of Heinlein’s Puppet Masters when you see one??
Report Post »Coyote6
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 1:17amAmazing. I makes you feel grateful for what you have. Notice all the help he got from his neighbors. That’s what charitable people do. They don’t need government.
Report Post »GENE BLISTER
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 1:01am“…Yes, nice to mole you… MEET you! Nice to meet your mole! Don’t say mole… I said mole.”
“Mole…… Mole…… MOLEY, MOLEY, MOLEY, MOLEY, MOLEY!!!”
“MOLE!! BLOODY MOLE!! We’re not supposed to talk about the bloody mole, but there’s a bloody mole WINKING ME IN THE FACE!!”
Sorry. It had to be said. Now its out and over.
Best of luck to you son. Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
Report Post »Mr.Fitnah
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 12:50amWell if you have to have an affliction he had a cool one.
Report Post »Turtle boy indeed, Best wishes
lylejk
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 12:45amGod bless the surgeons who healed this lad. I can care less how the expense was paid for. There comes a point where humanity has to be considered. Let’s not let the various petty arguments/differences tarnish this cool story folks. Again, I just appreciate that there are folks with compassion that still exists. You can not put a cost as far as this child and his family are concerned since the curse of ridicule has been lifted. A very uplifting; a great story Blaze and thanks for sharing it. :)
Report Post »gosutag
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 1:29amCan’t care less*
Report Post »Explanation: Being incapable of caring less shows that the farthest extent of not caring has been reached.
CABERNETQHS
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 8:12amGosutag
No one cares that you are insensitive. Why read the article or even respond if you really don’t care?
Explanation: Faithless occupier of mother’s basement.
Report Post »Atrum Angelis
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 11:25am@CABERNETQHS
He was correcting Lylejk’s bad use of the phrase “could/can care less“ when it should be ”couldn’t care less.” Context is important, especially before you throw insults.
Report Post »pwatkins
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 12:42amGod bless him. He is a precious child and hope he has a happy life.
Report Post »Government_Goodies
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 7:27amAmen.
Report Post »Diane TX
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 12:35amIf you watched the video you know that “regular people from all over Columbia donated what they could to help this child”. That works out so much better than a government handout.
Report Post »circleDwagons
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 8:36amcould not watch video. The picture with the winning smile was all i needed. Every child is a child of GOD
Report Post »oswell
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 12:21amYeah Democrats would have fined his parents and put them in jail for not having insurance.
Report Post »glennpatstu
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 3:04pmOh, I see- you don’t understand the law. cute.
Report Post »januscatinhat
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 4:39pmThere are those who give to rescue animal hospitals and those who give to rescue children hospitals. Politics seems to have nothing to do with it. Maturity and compassion seems to be involved. Humongous lack of maturity in both political parties, but there does seems to be a tad bit of compassion in one, but that seems to be fading fast. Seems both parties are on a slippery slope, but that’s a good thing. Then we could be again with truth, honesty, integrity, dedication to the honor of service, and such as a starting point for humbly “leading” the good people whose taxes they should openly reveal how they are being spent, not secretly spend on random mistresses/misters and other secret projects…just saying there is a better way… This child may one day bestow his talents and gifts upon humanity and know the belittlers are merely to be ignored. We will likely have to support them one day…
Report Post »Verceofreason
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 12:11amRepublicans would have told him to get a job at the circus.
As Eric Cantor like to say, :”You’re only entitles to the care you can afford.”
mkw22
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 12:22amI can’t type what I would like to because my response would be redacted. What an idiot you are.
Report Post »TxSon
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 12:23amPeople probably thought you were a moron. Then you posted your ignorance and removed any doubt.
Report Post »kenboo1
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 12:44amIts amazing that this child was treated in Columbia (for a price the citizens of his community paid (Charity) I might add). Normally, they send them to a children’s hospital here in the States at no charge. Well this fairness thing Obama and the Democrats has going is working out really well. Charitable work by American hospitals appears to be slowing to nonexistent. I guess its all the illegals we have allowed into our country for the sake of votes that has our hospitals seemingly unable or unwilling to do charitable work any longer… And the inverse good news is it is only going to get inversely better if we allow Obama care to remain law…
Report Post »Halloween
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 1:34amThe way this kid was treat by his community is the way “Republicans” say things should work. Not having some government program that requires stifling taxes and feelgood slogans. You might want to take up donations so you can get a brain.
Report Post »Blazebanned
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 8:59am@verceofreason aka encinom.
Report Post »Your stupidity never ceases to amaze me.And by the way *******,it should be likes not like,moron.
CABERNETQHS
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 9:08amYou are evil
Report Post »Verceofreason
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 10:41amPlease stop calling me seven asterisks it’s very childish!
Report Post »RLTW
Posted on July 9, 2012 at 11:37pmThis little man carried the weight of ridicule on his back literally, if he survived that he will survive the life ahead.
Report Post »Good journey kid.
magesticeagle
Posted on July 9, 2012 at 11:35pmzdvhmlut
Report Post »KeystoneState
Posted on July 9, 2012 at 11:35pmHoly Moley! He looks happy now! God bless him!
Report Post »Meyvn
Posted on July 9, 2012 at 11:28pmGod bless him. I wish him the best.
Report Post »ObserverOnTheHill
Posted on July 9, 2012 at 11:24pmObamacare would have done nothing for this child – all you supporters need to realize this.
Report Post »ohnomrbill
Posted on July 9, 2012 at 11:31pmWTF do you mean the child is from another country
Report Post »henryKnox
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 12:13amIf he were under obamacaretax he would be what they refer to as undesireable. He also wouldn’t be paying taxes so he would not have the worth to society to invest in the surgery. As the Progressives say ‘let him prove his worth to us’, let him prove to us that he deserves for us to keep him alive. Obamacare is the definition of evil.
Report Post »Verceofreason
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 12:15amNo. We don’t.
Report Post »scuba13
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 7:16amVerce you need that mole removed from your neck…Oh sorry that’s your head.
Report Post »thenewhickschick
Posted on July 9, 2012 at 11:14pmMay God bless this darling child! I pray he does well in school and this experience only gives him strength of character.
Report Post »Stephen Markovich
Posted on July 9, 2012 at 11:20pmAbsolutely! God bless him all the time!
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