(W) Alex Karl Bruorton, Anthony Zuiker (A) Fantoons
Born with a deforming disease known as CLOVES syndrome, Alex Bruorton has learned to deflect the hurtful comments slung his way and focus on the beautiful, brave person he truly is. From birth, his illness, which causes severe overgrowth in his face, was painfully evident. At a very young age, he realized he had to accept his face as it is. Fortunately, his family's fierce love and protection have been constant and impenetrable. But it's almost impossible to totally shield a child from bullying. Alex went to school, suffered horrible attacks, and returned home, hiding his fear and anger. With the the help of a therapist, Alex was able to declare a truce on his war with the outside world and learn to open up and talk-about himself, about life, about pain, and about joy.