A LITTLE BOY born with a “very large” leg was diagnosed with a rare mutation that causes it to “grow uncontrollably”.

At just two years old, Axel Horgan is already proving how strong he can be after being born with a rare condition that caused one of his legs to grow much faster than the rest of his body.

Axel was diagnosed with congenital lipomatous overgrowth (CLOVES), an extremely rare genetic condition affecting only around 200 people worldwide. It can cause abnormal growth involving blood vessels, skin, bones, joints and the spine.

His left leg was “very large from birth” and continued growing. His parents, Eddie and Sarah, were initially told their son might only live until the age of two or three and might never walk, talk, eat or use the toilet independently.

But Axel has already defied those expectations — and recently took his first steps.

His condition has caused him significant daily discomfort. He has undergone extensive testing, hospital treatment, a feeding tube and chemotherapy aimed at slowing the rapid growth, but the treatment did not work as hoped.

Doctors later determined that major surgery would give Axel better function and help reduce his discomfort. He is expected to use two prosthetics afterwards and will need physiotherapy to learn how to walk.

His parents currently pay around £170 a week for private physiotherapy, with costs expected to rise to around £320 after surgery. Living three hours from the nearest children’s hospital has also added to the family’s expenses.

A fundraiser has raised almost £40,000, leaving the family deeply touched by the support from their community.

Axel’s parents hope their little boy will soon be able to attend preschool, walk, play with other children and enjoy everyday moments like any other two-year-old.

“We hope people won’t judge a disability by its visibility,” his family said.

Despite everything he has faced, Sarah says they remain hopeful for Axel’s future — and incredibly proud of their little boy.

Source: The Sun