This can't be real! Turning into a tree?

[turtlespeed 226]

This one is just too much. It looks like it could be gloves and prosthetics.

I'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama
BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun

[labrys 0]

It's real. He's had surgery since that video to reduce the growths.

Owned by Remi #?

[hungarianchick 0]

There was a documentary on him on Discovery Channel. Unfortunately he is being exploited by a guy who owns a freak show, where he is employed along a few other similarly disfigured men. I'm not sure if he actually received the treatment, because according to the documentary he returned to the circus the night before he was due to start.

"I love cooking with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food."

[LisaH 0]

How sad. Poor guy.

Be yourself!
MooOOooOoo

[labrys 0]

He got treatment:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1584915/Tree-man-'who-grew-roots'-hopes-to-marry-after-4lb-of-warts-removed.html

Owned by Remi #?

[hungarianchick 0]

It is. It provided income for him and his children for a very long time. I'm sure he is very conflicted about being treated.

"I love cooking with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food."

[VanillaSkyGirl 6]

Quote

It is. It provided income for him and his children for a very long time. I'm sure he is very conflicted about being treated.

Conflicted? I'm sure that he would prefer to be employed in another line of work and live a normal life without the out-of-control warts taking over his whole being. I have seen video of him stating that he wants to live a productive life, and of course, he excited to be able to actually move his hands and feet, again.

The whole thing is so sad, but it so wonderful that he is finally getting the help that he needs.

[LisaH 0]

Quote

He got treatment:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1584915/Tree-man-'who-grew-roots'-hopes-to-marry-after-4lb-of-warts-removed.html

I didn't read the entire article. Will he have to go through physical therapy to learn how to use his hands and feet again properly?

Be yourself!
MooOOooOoo

[Nightingale 0]

Quote

There was a documentary on him on Discovery Channel. Unfortunately he is being exploited by a guy who owns a freak show, where he is employed along a few other similarly disfigured men. I'm not sure if he actually received the treatment, because according to the documentary he returned to the circus the night before he was due to start.

Is he really being exploited, or is he being enabled to make a living where he would otherwise be dependent on his family and friends to support him due to his condition?

[sunshine 2]

I saw that documentary. I love the medical shows.

___________________________________________
meow

I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug!

[hungarianchick 0]

Quote

Quote

It is. It provided income for him and his children for a very long time. I'm sure he is very conflicted about being treated.

Conflicted? I'm sure that he would prefer to be employed in another line of work and live a normal life without the out-of-control warts taking over his whole being. I have seen video of him stating that he wants to live a productive life, and of course, he excited to be able to actually move his hands and feet, again.

The whole thing is so sad, but it so wonderful that he is finally getting the help that he needs.

I haven't seen the video, but I've seen the documentary, and he may have said that he wanted to be productive. But think about this: this is a life he knew since he was a teenager and the fact is that he disappeared the night before he was due for treatment and rejoined the freak show speaks volumes. I'm very relieved that he chose to get treatment in the end.

"I love cooking with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food."

[hungarianchick 0]

Quote

Quote

There was a documentary on him on Discovery Channel. Unfortunately he is being exploited by a guy who owns a freak show, where he is employed along a few other similarly disfigured men. I'm not sure if he actually received the treatment, because according to the documentary he returned to the circus the night before he was due to start.

Is he really being exploited, or is he being enabled to make a living where he would otherwise be dependent on his family and friends to support him due to his condition?

Good question. Generally any form of entertainment that gains it's profits from other's misfortune is exploitation in my book. All Dede had to do for a living is to stand there so people can be disgusted/horrified for a fee. True, due to his condition he wasn't able to accomplish much else, his children were doing much of the work around the house, including feeding him.

"I love cooking with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food."

[Nightingale 0]

Quote

Quote

Quote

There was a documentary on him on Discovery Channel. Unfortunately he is being exploited by a guy who owns a freak show, where he is employed along a few other similarly disfigured men. I'm not sure if he actually received the treatment, because according to the documentary he returned to the circus the night before he was due to start.

Is he really being exploited, or is he being enabled to make a living where he would otherwise be dependent on his family and friends to support him due to his condition?

Good question. Generally any form of entertainment that gains it's profits from other's misfortune is exploitation in my book. All Dede had to do for a living is to stand there so people can be disgusted/horrified for a fee. True, due to his condition he wasn't able to accomplish much else, his children were doing much of the work around the house, including feeding him.

Is watching a documentary about him any less exploitative, then? We're looking, we're shocked, and horrified, but we're being exposed to the idea that other people are not always just like us.