WHEN Samad, 61, from East Java, Indonesia, developed a wart on his face at the age of 12, he had no idea it would eventually morph into a 1.5 kilogram (3lb) tumour resembling the trunk of an elephant. Over the years, the growth has spread throughout his body and led to numerous surgeries, displacing his nose and obscuring his entire right eye. He often faces ridicule on the street and is avoided by people who mistakenly think he has an infectious disease that could spread from close contact. Samad said: “When I’m outside my village, due to this condition I feel shame when I walk around. People are scared of my face, but I’m still the same person I was underneath." Nevertheless Samad has found acceptance among his workmates in the fields where he works harvesting sugarcane. He said: “At work my friends are sympathetic, and most of them help me." Samad says he no longer wants to pursue surgery but is instead channeling his energy into constructing his dream home. He added: “I would love to see my face again but I accept my condition, I don’t want to get surgery any more.” https://kitabisa.com/campaign/hidungmbahsamad
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