Why this boy chose not to have his facial tumors removed

Author: Elisabeth Brentano for The Mighty

Published On: 10/30/2015

Ethan D’Amato was born with a number of neurofibromas, or facial tumors, due to Neurofibromatosis type one (NF1). However, when given the choice to have his tumors surgically removed, the 11-year-old said no, according to The Daily Mirror.

Ethan was told that with the operation comes the risk of losing his ability to smile and laugh if nerves are damaged. For him, that was the deciding factor.

“I just can’t take the risk of not being able to laugh or smile,” Ethan told the Mirror. “I think I will wait until there is a robotic surgeon who won’t make any mistakes. Humans can be a bit shaky and may hit a nerve so I will have to wait.”

For the rest of the story, visit themighty.com.