Although similar cases have had very poor outcomes, Tres Johnson has amazed everyone with his incredible resilience.

Tres Johnson, from Missouri, USA, is an extraordinary young man. From birth, he had a very rare facial difference caused by an uncommon craniofacial condition. Doctors believed the little boy would face an extremely difficult road ahead and might only have a short time to live, leaving his family heartbroken. However, what happened next has surprised people around the world.

Because of his condition, Tres was born with significant facial differences. He has two noses, widely spaced eyes, and a cleft affecting his lips. Tres also experiences frequent epileptic seizures, sometimes as many as 40 in a single day. He has undergone numerous surgeries to reconstruct his skull and receives daily medication to help manage his condition. By the age of two, the number of seizures had decreased by almost 90%.

Even his parents were overwhelmed when their son was born. Tres’s mother said, “The doctors brought him into my room; he was covered in tubes and wires. The only thing I could touch was his feet. His face was unlike other children; half reminded me of his older brother, the other half of his younger brother. When he was born, Tres had a severe cleft that extended into his nose. One eye appeared more prominent, while the other was deeply set.”

Statistically, there have been only about 36 reported cases similar to Tres’s worldwide, with very few long-term survivors. However, Tres’s father, Brandy, said his son never stopped fighting. Four years ago, doctors again advised the family to prepare for significant challenges, but through remarkable determination, Tres continued to make progress, developing both physically and cognitively. Today, he weighs 35 kg and has reached the age of 17, inspiring both his family and many medical professionals.

Tres’s mother left her job to care for him full-time, while her husband became the family’s sole provider. Their unwavering dedication has made an incredible difference. More than anyone else, it is his family’s love and support that have helped him through this remarkable 17-year journey.

Today, Tres is working hard to learn to walk with the support of his parents and medical team. Alongside caring for his son, Brandy has also created a GoFundMe page to help cover Tres’s medical expenses and support other families facing similar challenges.