Michigan Man Won’t Stop Growing – 7ft 8in And Counting

Children are growing up faster than ever these days! One day they are born, they basically go to college in a flash. For this Michigan teen, (yes we said teen!), he has a very different story of growing up. After his birth, his family thought he had no medical issues. It was evident pretty quickly this was not the case. When Broc Brown first went school in Michigan, his peers began to comment and take notice of his abnormal appearance. Bullying is a big problem around the world, even if you don’t have a very abnormal characteristic. Broc was bullied, and he did look very, very different than other kids his age. He lives and grew up in a local community in Michigan, so he was drawing attention pretty early on in his life. At first, doctors had no idea what was happening to Broc Brown. He started his life as a normal baby, but it was evident quickly that his growth and development were different than other children and teens his age.His family was so incredibly worried about him, especially his mother. At first, doctors had no idea what was going on with him. He was growing abnormally fast, and people were starting to comment and even make fun of him. His mother was on a mission to find the root medical cause of his problem. She wouldn’t stop until she knew exactly what was happening and why.

At first, doctors in Michigan could not figure out the issue. They saw what was happening to the body, recognized it was abnormal, but couldn’t provide him with a proper diagnosis. Eventually, doctors found the root cause of his problem, and wow is it surprising! After his diagnosis, his family had to go to extreme measures just so he was able to live. For example, he had abnormally big feet so his family had to find and pay someone to make customized shoes. Besides that, a normal size bed wouldn’t cut it. His family was not very wealthy, so these extra purchases did put a toll on Broc and his family. Besides the medical mystery, there is another very interesting aspect of the story of Broc Brown. There have been a few other people in the world who suffer from the same condition, but Broc’s story is still unique. If he continues on the same path, he will actually break a world record. Read more to find out all the juicy details:

Small Town Beginnings

Something all new parents share is concern about the early stages of growth in their children. For example, eating, sleeping, laughing enough are some things parents worry about. For one Michigan mother named Darci Moss Elliot, she thought at the time of her son’s birth she had nothing to worry about.

Her son, Broc Brown, was born at a normal size and weight. He weighed just under 8 pounds and was 22-inches-long. The worrying unfortunately began for Darci once her newborn son started to grow.

Growing Up in the Blink of an Eye

As a young child, there was nothing abnormal about Broc Brown. He was a jovial kid, and his friends at most remarked that he was big and strong.

At an early age, it seemed Broc was growing up a little faster than his classmates. By the time he reached kindergarten strangers would do a double-take when they found out his age.

Kindergarten Concerns

It is every parent’s nightmare to see their children grow up in a literal blink of an eye, and that is what was happening to Broc Brown.

In just kindergarten, he was 5-foot 2-inches tall! He was more than double the height of most of his classmates. His parents could not seem to figure out why this was happening to their son.

Same Size as his Mother

Also in kindergarten, Broc Brown was just as tall as his mom! Darci started to become very concerned.

As more and more people started to ask questions, he and his family began to investigate what the reason behind this growth could be.

A Mother’s Love

Darci remembers it was very difficult for her son, Broc, to participate in normal hobbies and activities that other children his age did. She also was having issues caring for him due to his size. She stated, “When you have a five-year-old who has hurt themselves and they come running at you, you pick them up.

I would carry him around when he was half the size of me so I have a lot of back problems.”

Time to Call the Doctor

After picking up Broc became increasingly problematic for his mother, the family started a series of doctors appointments and consultations to get to the bottom of it.

After many appointments and tests the family would finally get the results they were searching for.

A Rare Diagnosis

When Broc Brown was only 5 years old, he received his diagnosis. This diagnosis is so rare it only affects one in every 15,000 people. It turns out Broc Brown had a hereditary condition called Sotos Syndrome or “cerebral gigantism.”

While his family was glad to finally know what was causing this abnormal growth, it was unclear how his future would turn out and if he would ever stop growing.

A Gloomy Prognosis

It was hard enough on Broc and his family to get the diagnosis, but there was more information that would cause them worry and panic.

The doctor’s stated it was unlikely Broc would survive his teenage years as there is no treatment or cure for Sotos syndrome.

What is Sotos Syndrome, Exactly?

Those with Sotos syndrome have excessive physical growth usually until their teenage years.

There are many behavioral and medical issues associated with the disease. Broc Brown stood out among those with the syndrome.

Treading the Teen Years

Michigander Broc Brown continued to grow throughout middle school and high school.

By the time he was 11 years old, he was 6 feet tall! By the time he was 14, he grew to be an incredible 7 feet tall! His growth wouldn’t stop there.

Another Hurdle

While it is the main feature of Sotos syndrome that people are taller than average, medical professionals were concerned because Broc Brown was larger and taller than most people with the disorder.

Remember, doctors told Broc and his family that he would not make it passed his teenage years. Initially, they said he would make it until he was 14, but now doctors estimated 15.

Standing Tall in the Face of Adversity

Brown suffers from many problems due to Soto syndrome. He has a strain on his heart, ADHD, and a curvature of the spine. When he was born he only had one kidney and could not take painkillers.

In regards to his pain, Broc stated, “It kind of feels like a big tennis racket has gone through my back. “I do stuff to stop it hurting and it makes me feel like there’s a needle gone through it – it’s hard to deal with.”

Comfort Tweaks

Broc Brown and his family needed to make some lifestyle changes so Broc could live life more comfortably. He got a custom-made eight-foot bed and a chair.

These things were not cheap, they cost over $1,000.00! He very much needed the bed because some of his growth spurts would last 16 hours!

‘A Heart As Big As His Body’

Despite being born this way, and all the obstacles and hardships that come along with it, Broc has a very positive attitude about his situation.

His aunt Stacy Snyder said, “takes on his condition day by day with a smile on his face.” His mother shares the same sentiment. She said, “Overall he is a big softie, his heart is as big as his body.”

Refusing to Stay Sedentary

Due to his condition and size, everyday activities can be problematic for Broc. Things like standing for a long time, walking through doors, riding in cars, going into shops, movies, restaurants, all can be challenging for him. Broc has been able to overcome his size barrier and do some traveling lately.

He had an incredible experience that made a huge impact on his life!

Breaking Records

Broc brown was a well-known person in Jackson, Michigan. It is a small town of only 30,000 residents. Broc definitely stood out.

He had the Guinness World Record of the tallest teenager until he turned 19. Considering doctors didn’t expect him to make it past 15, the record is even that more impressive!

‘Tallest Teens’

Broc and his family decided to participate in a TLC documentary called “Tallest Teens.” It premiered in 2016. The show follows the handful of American youths who are the tallest in the country and some the world.

It was absolutely amazing for Broc to meet and interact with other people with Sotos. His mother stated the experience was overwhelmingly positive for him and he took great comfort in not being alone.

More Than Just the Tallest Teen

As the years continued, Broc’s growth rate hasn’t ceased. When he was 19, he was 7-foot 8-inches. His mother believes he grows at about 6 inches per year.

If his growth rate continues, he will eventually surpass the current holder of the title of the world’s tallest man.

A Brave Appearance

After he appeared on the TLC documentary, he was approached to appear on a special anti-bullying episode of The Maury Show.

He shared his story and told of his experiences of being treated poorly by classmates. After the show, the Maury team brought Broc many gifts including a new wheelchair and even a 10-year supply of Broc’s favorite fish sticks! Not too bad! The family and Broc were so grateful for the generous gifts.

Incredible Aftermath

After the Maury episode aired, Broc Brown and his family were contacted by more and more people who wanted to send love and their support.

They heard from others in Michigan who have Sotos or a family member with it. While this was great for Broc and his family, the obstacles of Broc just living day to day life was becoming increasingly frustrating.

A Financial Hurdle

One problem the family faced was meeting Broc’s clothing needs. He regularly needed special clothes and new clothes given his changing size.

Everything was difficult for his family to find for him: shoes, shirts, pants, socks, none of it was easy!

A Considerate Community

While having custom furniture and clothing is very expensive, Broc’s family was determined to somehow finance the costs to make his life easier.

They set up The Support Page for Broc D on Facebook, and the Michigan community reached out to provide some financial assistance. They raised over $10,400 for Broc and his family.

An Overwhelming Outpouring

Broc Brown and his family were certainly not expecting the extent of compassion from strangers they received.

A person even donated Detroit Piston’s tickets to Broc! He was able to meet some of his all-time favorite players.

A Grateful Guy

Broc’s family was very appreciative of the gifts and support, but they still worried about their ability to financially support Broc as he grew up.

Specialty socks alone cost about $20 per pair.

A Revolutionary Technology

Besides fundraisers and donations, new technology also enabled his family to provide footwear for him.

Feetz is a California based company that uses 3D printing to create affordable shoes. Broc was overjoyed when he got his first pair. “Heck, I don’t like them. I love them. Thank you,” he said.

Another First

Small spaces and traveling are not easy for Broc, but he was able to go with his mother to Arkansas to consult with a specialist.

He met with Sotos specialist, Dr. Bradley Schaefer of the Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

Surprising News from a Specialist

Dr. Schaefer gave Broc some of the best news of his entire life.

He stated he believed while Broc would experience much pain, he would most likely live a regular lifespan. Broc and his family couldn’t believe the news!

The Best Thing

Broc Brown was so happy he said, “It’s the best thing I could have heard.” While this was great news for Broc, there are still some issues to be sorted out.

It is unclear if he will have a peak height in adulthood or not and if he will be able to live alone. Nonetheless, the promise of a long life is amazing!

Looking to the Future

If Broc maintains his growth rate, when he turns 21 he will surpass the world’s tallest man.

Currently, the record holder is native to Turkey. his name is Sultan Kosen and he is 8-feet and 2-inches tall.

Other Amazing True Life Giants

In addition to Broc, and Sultan Kosen, throughout history, there have been a plethora of other “giant humans.”

While they weren’t fortunate enough to get specialized, custom-made shoes from a 3-D printer like Broc, all of their stories are very interesting.

Bernard Coyne

Bernard Coyne was born in Iowa in 1897. His draft card for World War 1 indicates he was 8 feet tall, and he was refused to complete army service due to his height.

It is probable he was 8’2 or 8’4 at the time of his death. He was buried in an extra large coffin.

Väinö Myllyrinne

Native to Finald, Väinö Myllyrinne was born in 1909. He was the world’s tallest man at one point in his life.

He had multiple growth spurts and the tallest he reached was 8’3. He was the tallest soldier in the history of the Finish army and died in 1963.

Edouard Beaupré

Canadian Edouard Beaupré was born in 1881. He was the eldest of 20 children.

He enjoyed a normal height during the beginning of his life, but by the time he was 9 years old he reached 6 feet tall. He worked as a star in Barnum and Bailey and allegedly lifted horses that weighed as much as 900 pounds. He died in 1904 and it is believed his top height was 8’3.

Ella Ewing

Ella Ewing was known as the “Missouri Giant.”

She was born in Missouri in 1872 and her top height was 8’4. She worked as a “circus freak” until she died of tuberculosis in 1913.

Jane Bunford

Jane Bunford was the “tallest recognized British person” for many years.

She reached 7 ft 11 inches at the time of her death. She was only 26 years old.

Zeng Jinlian

Born in China, Zeng Jinlian surpassed Jane Bunford to become the “tallest recognized female person.”

She died when she was only 17 and her top height was verified to be 8 ft 3 in.

Al Tomaini

Al Tomaini was a giant who weighed 356 pounds! He wore size 27 shoes too! Wow! He spent most of his life as a circus giant and worked at the Great Lakes Exposition in Chicago.

The woman in the picture is actually his wife!

Al Tomaini And His Wife

Al Tomaini’s wife was named Jeanie. She was born without legs and only 2 ft 6 inches tall. They two lived in a circus community until their death.

They are regarded as one of the “world’s strangest married couples.”

Leonid Stadnyk

Leonid Stadnyk was Ukrainian and was born in 1971 in Ukraine.

He currently holds the world’s tallest human record according to the Guinness Book of Records. His top height was 8’4.5″.

John F Carroll

John Carroll was born in Buffalo, New York and was known as the “Buffalo giant.”

He was born in 1932. He grew at an extremely rapid rate, and at one time he grew 7 inches in only a few months. When he died in 1969, it is believed he was close to 8’5″.

John Rogan

John Rogan grew normally until the age of 13. His height was not officially recorded during his life until the time of his death.

He allegedly was 8’9″ tall, but weighed only 175 pounds. It is part of the illness that sometimes sufferers can’t gain weight or rapidly lose weight. He hold’s the world record as the tallest African American ever. He died in 1905.

Johan Aason

Johan was American and beat John Rogan’s height by 1/4 of an inch. His mother was also actually a giant and her top height was 7’2″.

At the time of his death it is believed he was 9’2″! If that is true than he should be the tallest man in history.

Robert Wadlow

Robert Wadlow is as of now the tallest man in history. His top height is debated. When he died he weighed 440 pounds! He also continued to grow until his death.

He died when he was only 22. Many sufferers of gigantism die early in life, and he was no exception. His top reported height was 8′ 11.1″.

André the Giant

One of the more recent celebrities with gigantism is former French professional wrestler André the Giant.

He was often called the “The Eighth Wonder of the World” due to his height. His top height was 7’4″. He was 46 at the time of his death.

André the Giant

Very recently, in April 2018, HBO released a documentary film about his life. It is entitled “André the Giant” and it discusses his life with gigantism.

There are also interviews from a number of celebrities such as Hulk Hogan, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Billy Crystal and Vince McMahon.

A Huge Inspiration

Broc Brown might become the next record holder for the world’s tallest man. We will wait and see! After hearing he will live longer than expected from his doctors, he is optimistic about the future.

“I hopefully want to work for a sporting goods store so something like that, a cashier or something,” he said. He hopes to live a long life with a job and spend more quality time with his mother. Darci stated, “I just hope he has a good life and is happy with everything he ever does.” We hope so too!