Both of the 26-year-old’s feet are around twice the normal size, though the left one is larger than the right. The condition leaves him in constant pain.
Jeffrey was born with Proteus Syndrome, a very rare condition that causes bone, skin and tissue overgrowth.
Jeffrey’s hands, hips, and legs have all been affected — and he now believes amputating his left foot is the best way to relieve his pain and stop the growth.
Currently his left foot measures an enormous 17 inches around and 14 inches long while his right foot
is 14.5 inches around and 12 inches long.
Jeffrey, from Florida, has been suffering from Proteus Syndrome since he was nine months old, when his mother noticed swelling on his right index finger. He said: “She thought it was a mosquito bite and tried home-made remedies but it didn’t work.”
“I also fell a lot and was eventually pulled out of school because the principal didn’t want to take any chances with me,” he says. “It was nerve-racking for my family.”
Finally, in 2005, Jeffrey was given a special pair of Croc shoes by the National Institute of Health .
But five years ago, after 11 failed attempts to treat his feet with surgery, Jeffrey decided that amputation is his best option.
“I was ready for the surgery, but then met someone else who had their foot amputated, and it scared me seeing them walking on their knees. I was a scared teenager but last year I brought it up with doctors again.”
Unfortunately the institute lost most of its funding but recommended another doctor who agreed to perform the amputation — if Jeffrey paid for the $40,000 procedure in full.
Jeffrey has started a GoFundMe page to raise money for his operation.
“Having the amputation would improve my life so much,” he says.
“It would help me walk again and I won’t have to use a wheelchair any more”
Please let the rich help him.
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