James McCallum, a proud father has shared the remarkable story of his newborn son, who was born with a rare congenital condition that gave him a shell-like structure on his back, akin to a turtle’s shell. Despite the initial shock, James and his family have embraced this uniqueness with love and admiration.
Clearwater, Florida, toddler James McCallum earned the nickname “little Ninja Turtle” from his parents due to a rare skin condition resembling a turtle shell on his back. Despite inconclusive ultrasounds, concerns arose when scabbing and lumps appeared on James’ back post-birth. The mysterious condition covered 75% of his back, growing rapidly, impacting his sleep and daily life.
Facing uncertainty, James underwent an MRI to assess internal growth risks, leading to surgery at 2½ months to remove the nevus. Fortunately, no internal growth was found. Post-surgery, parents Kaitlyn andTim discovered a supportive Facebook group, learning about potential side effects like itchinessConnecting with a specialist, they initiated tissue expansion in September 2022, injecting saline weekly to replace affected skin. Despite challenges, James is now happier, and his parents anticipate complete removal by summer, prioritizing his comfort over potential scarring.
In an exclusive interview, James McCallum expressed his feelings of amazement and pride in his son, referring to him affectionately as his ‘Ninja Turtle Baby’. He shared, “When I first saw him, it was like meeting a superhero. His shell makes him unique, but it’s his spirit that truly makes him special.”
Despite the challenges that may lie ahead, James and his family are determined to provide their son with all the love, support, and care he needs. They have already received overwhelming support from their community, with messages of encouragement pouring in from friends and well-wishers.
As they embark on this journey, James McCallum and his family hope to raise awareness about their son’s condition and inspire others to embrace differences with compassion and understanding. For them, their ‘Ninja Turtle Baby’ is not just a child with a unique physical trait but a symbol of resilience and strength.