James McCallum, born in Clearwater, Florida, had a growth on his back resembling a “turtle shell.” This distinctive feature led his parents to fondly call him “Little Ninja Turtle.” Remarkably, this condition was not detected during ultrasounds before his birth on August 19, 2021.

Concern arose when James’ back began developing scabs and lumps. What initially appeared to be a birthmark with some scabbing turned into a larger, lumpier mass covering 75% of his back.

Doctors initially struggled to diagnose his condition, leaving his parents anxious about his well-being. The mass on James’ back grew rapidly, becoming so cumbersome that he could only sleep on his side, unable to lay his head flat due to its size and bulkiness. It was described as a “turtle shell” because of its appearance.

James underwent his first surgery in February 2022, preceded by an MRI to assess whether the growth was affecting his brain or spine. Thankfully, there was no internal growth, and his parents initiated the process to remove the mass. After the surgery, tests on the removed skin showed no signs of disease, providing some relief.

Worried that the mass could return, James’ parents, Kaitlyn and Tim, joined a Facebook group for people living with this condition. This group helped them connect with others who shared similar experiences, providing insights into symptoms and side effects like itching and overactive sweat glands.

Upon connecting with a specialist in Chicago, the McCallum family decided to undergo a tissue expansion procedure starting in September 2022. This process involves surgically growing healthy skin. It’s done at home, with expanders placed under the skin and saline injected weekly to gradually replace the problematic skin.

This treatment has improved James’ quality of life, making him happier and more comfortable. His parents hope to complete the process by summer, leaving minimal scarring. They express gratitude that the condition appeared on his back, as it’s usually seen on the face.

They look forward to a future where James can share a unique story about his journey, ultimately cherishing his scars as a symbol of his strength and resilience.