Mom Slammed, Told Her Wrinkled Baby ‘Should Be Kept Hidden’ — He’s Turned into a Handsome Man Years Later

In many ways, Tomm Tennent was an incredibly unique person. From the moment he arrived in the world, everyone around him knew he was different from other babies. When he was born, he had excess skin, sufficient enough to cover a five-year-old kid.

Even the doctors were baffled when they saw his wrinkled appearance, as they had never seen anything like it in their medical career. Tomm’s parents, Debbie and Geoff Tennent were also flabbergasted when they saw their baby and didn’t know how to react.

Debbie and Geoff Tennent | Source: YouTube.com/60 Minutes Australia

Debbie and Geoff Tennent | Source: YouTube.com/60 Minutes Australia

From his incredible birth experience to his life after that, Tomm and his parents experienced a journey unlike any other. It all started when Debbie and Geoff welcomed their son in a South East Australia hospital in 1993.

Eventually, after years of trying and looking for a clue, they stumbled upon something astonishing.

At the time, they didn’t know how special their baby boy would be. Before Tomm’s birth, his parents couldn’t have guessed that their child would go on to mystify medical professionals. But when they went in for the ultrasounds, they discovered nothing was as expected.

Initially, the Tennents struggled to determine whether or not they would keep the baby. But after discussing the matter, it didn’t take them long to decide that regardless of the consequences, they would go through with the pregnancy.

Tomm Tennent pictured as a baby | YouTube.com/60 Minutes Australia

Tomm Tennent pictured as a baby | YouTube.com/60 Minutes Australia

But while Debbie and Geoff were prepared for everything, they were oblivious to how serious their child’s condition could be. They were taken aback and rendered speechless when they laid eyes on their infant son for the first time.

“When [Tomm] came out, I was quite shocked…I didn’t think a human, or a little baby, could ever look like that,” recalled Geoff about the moment he first saw his son. Of the instance when her baby was placed on her chest, Debbie recounted:

“My heart came up to my throat.”

But at the same time, Debbie was overcome with motherly sentiments and said it felt lovely to cuddle her son. Despite their shocked initial reaction, the Tennents embraced their son, who had too much skin covering almost every inch of his body.

A close up of Tomm Tennent's wrinkled legs and feet | Source: YouTube.com/60 Minutes Australia

A close up of Tomm Tennent’s wrinkled legs and feet | Source: YouTube.com/60 Minutes Australia

Medical Mystery & the Challenges of Growing Up

Tomm’s never-before-seen skin condition and wrinkled look baffled his parents and doctors. Since they could not decipher the reason behind his excess skin, they didn’t know how to treat it.

After much contemplation, medical experts hoped that, over time, the boy would grow into his skin. But given the youngster’s unique appearance, researchers felt triggered to explore his case further and solve the rather complex genetic puzzle.

Debbie Tennent holds her son, Tomm Tennent, while petting a Shar Pei | Source: YouTube.com/60 Minutes Australia

Debbie Tennent holds her son, Tomm Tennent, while petting a Shar Pei | Source: YouTube.com/60 Minutes Australia

Tomm was no stranger to hospital visits and stayed in a medical center for two and a half months. There, he had to undergo multiple tests and scans, which were reportedly insufficient in helping the researchers crack the code of his mysterious condition.

Andrew Ramsden, Tomm’s pediatrician, admitted that his case was incredibly challenging because he was the first baby born on record with excess skin, and the doctors had nowhere to turn to for guidance.

Accompanying their little boy on his many doctor’s visits and staying with him in the hospital for months wasn’t easy for the Tennents. But they found their strength and courage from looking at their sweet son, who was a happy tot and didn’t know the magnitude of his condition.

Tomm Tennent is pictured enjoying a bath  | Source: YouTube.com/60 Minutes Australia

Tomm Tennent is pictured enjoying a bath | Source: YouTube.com/60 Minutes Australia

As time passed, Tomm’s doctors continued researching his condition, hoping to find something helpful. Eventually, after years of trying and looking for a clue, they stumbled upon something astonishing.

Medical professionals drew similarities between Tom’s appearance and the Shar Pei, a Chinese dog breed. They learned that the youngster’s excess skin was due to an oversupply of Hyaluronic Acid, which was 100 times higher than usual.

The same was true for Shar Pei puppies. Provided that the acid levels decreased in Shar Peis as they grew older and their appearance improved, the medical experts hoped for the same for Tomm.

Tomm Tennent pictured combing his hair while looking in the mirror. | Source: YouTube.com/60 Minutes Australia

Tomm Tennent pictured combing his hair while looking in the mirror. | Source: YouTube.com/60 Minutes Australia

Fortunately, as the doctors had anticipated, time was the best healer in Tomm’s case. Growing up, the Australian child received immense love and support from his parents. But he also experienced a multitude of challenges.

“Don’t judge people by what they looked like,” noted a young Tomm. Although he had always believed nothing was wrong with him, not everyone reciprocated his sentiments.

People continued to tease him, and he struggled to make friends at school. He felt hurt when kids refused to play with him or include him in their groups.

But instead of retreating and being demotivated by other people’s behavior toward him, Tomm began participating in games and made many friends. Soon, his school experience remarkably improved, and people started seeing him differently.

A young Tomm Tennent | Source: YouTube.com/60 Minutes Australia

A young Tomm Tennent | Source: YouTube.com/60 Minutes Australia

While the Tennents were pleased to see their son move forward in life, some memories were etched in their minds. Debbie recollected an incident in a local bakery with Tomm when a woman approached her, questioning her decision to take her son out in public.

But that wasn’t all. The lady reportedly told Debbie that her son “should be kept hidden.” Devastated by the woman’s comments, the Australian mother didn’t know what to say to her then but vowed to care for her son and raise him in the best possible manner.

And as time would tell, Geoff and Debbie felt pure joy and pride seeing their son grow up. They were proud of him for being a good boy and excelling in every aspect of life, including school.

In an exclusive interview in 2003, the then-11-year-old Tomm said he saw a “kind, loving person” whenever he looked in the mirror. He confessed he wasn’t concerned about how his peers viewed him because they didn’t care about his appearance.

From the beginning, Debbie and Geoff taught their son to accept and love himself just as he was. The couple believed that real beauty came from within, and they instilled the same values in their beloved boy.

Their efforts paid off because when Tomm was asked if he would change anything about himself, he responded, “Probably nothing.” With his parents’ affection and his inner strength, Tomm became an exceptionally kind and lovable person.

Celine Dion’s Son at 23: From Balding to Stunning — You Won’t Believe His Transformation

René-Charles Angélil, Celine Dion’s son, has changed a lot as he’s grown up.

He now looks a lot like his late father and seems older than he really is, according to people online.

His look includes a beard and signs of balding.

Celine Dion was married to René Angélil for 21 years. He sadly passed away in January 2016 after a long fight with cancer. He was 73 years old when he died at their Las Vegas home.

Angélil left behind his wife, Celine Dion, who won five Grammy Awards and whom he married in December 1994. They had three children together. In the years following, Dion has also shared her own health challenges.

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In an emotional Instagram video from December 2022, Celine Dion revealed she was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder called Stiff Person Syndrome. She announced the cancellation of her European tour because of her condition and shared her deep sadness over this difficult decision.

Despite losing her long-time spouse and dealing with her illness, Celine Dion has stayed strong, thanks to the support of her three sons: René-Charles, and twins Nelson and Eddy, who are 13. René-Charles, born in January 2001, is her eldest child.

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René-Charles Angélil has been in the spotlight since he was a baby, often seen with his famous mother, Celine Dion. From being photographed as a baby to growing into a young adult with a beard, his transformation is striking.

René-Charles at Six Months Old

At just six months old, René-Charles was baptized in July 2001 in Montreal, Quebec. Photos of him with his parents leaving the Notre-Dame Basilica captured the moment.

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As a baby, René-Charles had a round face with soft, rosy cheeks and bright, curious eyes. His light brown hair was fine and sparse. He wore a simple, white outfit with delicate patterns for his baptism.

In the next image, René-Charles, held lovingly by his world-famous mom Dion, looked curious and content. The photo perfectly captured a tender moment between mother and son.

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René-Charles at 15 Months Old

In March 2002, during a family outing in New York City, René-Charles was seen with his mom and dad once more. Dressed in a cozy navy blue coat and matching hat to stay warm in the chilly weather, he looked snug and happy. His parents stood proudly beside him, reflecting their joy and unity as a family.

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René-Charles at 20 Months Old

By September 2002, during a casual day out in Paris, René-Charles had grown noticeably. At 20 months old, his light brown hair was a bit longer, framing his face more fully. His features were becoming more defined, showing the growth and changes from his earlier baby days.

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**René-Charles at Six Years Old**

In March 2007, René-Charles was seen with his mother at Disneyland. Standing next to Celine Dion at the “Sleeping Beauty” castle, both looked thrilled and joyful, capturing a fun moment in his childhood.

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As a new parent, Celine Dion shared in an interview, “I love being a mom—it relaxes me to read stories, do finger painting, and play with Play-Doh. People might find it hard to believe, but I really do have a normal life.”

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René-Charles at Seven Years Old

In May 2008, René-Charles was seen on a family outing in Paris, leaving the Four Seasons George V hotel with his parents. Holding his mother’s hand, his long brown hair was neatly parted on the side, and he looked happy and excited.

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René-Charles at 17 Years Old

René-Charles celebrated his 17th birthday with Dion in January 2018. Wearing glasses, he looked both sophisticated and stylish in a light gray dress shirt paired with dark trousers, reflecting a polished and put-together look. His mother, dressed elegantly in a yellow dress, stood beside him with a proud smile.

René-Charles at 18 Years Old

In January 2019, René-Charles marked his 18th birthday with a heartwarming celebration alongside his mother, Celine Dion. Dion shared a touching Instagram post, capturing their close bond as she embraced him. Both looked joyful and content, highlighting the special moment as René-Charles stepped into adulthood.

René-Charles at 23 Years Old

At 23, René-Charles Angélil made a notable appearance at the Grammys alongside his mother, Celine Dion. Sporting a full beard, he radiated confidence and maturity. In a memorable moment, he also posed with Dion and Taylor Swift, showcasing his growth into a poised and self-assured young man.

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Celine Dion’s son has changed a lot since his childhood. He now sports a more rugged look, having moved away from his signature long hair.

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