Self-Described 'Elephant Man' Won't Let Deformity Rule Life

By Jessica Ryen Doyle

Published October 19, 2015

James O'Neal compares himself to John Hurt's character in the 1980 film "The Elephant Man."

A genetic disease known as neurofibromatosis has left O'Neal's face horribly disfigured, but several surgeries may be able to reconstruct his facial features; it is being reported by KOMONews.com.

O'Neal, of Kirkland, Wash., said he knows his deformity is shocking - but he refuses to hide like other people with his disorder.

"I just tell people this is who I am, it's the way I am," O'Neal told KOMO. "If you don't like me, you don't like me."

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/health/self-described-elephant-man-wont-let-deformity-rule-life