Typically, you’d expect to see siblings who are of a similar height. But that always isn’t the case. Sometimes one sibling takes after the taller parent while the other sibling might take after the shorter parent. Although, it’s not as simple as just that. Genetics can be complex.
Right away, people notice that Nick Smith and his adult brother, Travis, are the polar opposite in terms of how tall they are. Nick is 6-foot, 5-inches tall while Nick stands at just under 2 feet, 10 inches as one of the smallest men in the world. And, yes, Nick is completely finished growing according to doctors.
But how could this be?
At a young age, Nick was diagnosed with microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism (MOPD2). The rare condition not only causes those diagnosed to grow to a less-than-usual height, but they also are more susceptible to common older age-related illnesses and have a shorter life expectancy. It is rare for those with primordial dwarfism to live past the age of 30. And, for Nick, he has had to have three brain surgeries and a surgery to correct scoliosis.
According to Nick’s mother, Shelly, having a diagnosis of MOPD2 also causes a “childlike mentality,” which Nick has.
Although her son recently celebrated his 28th birthday, he considers himself much younger. He still plays with toys, needs help getting dressed, and “he doesn’t really have a sense of time,” says his mother.
“I think in that way, it’s protected him to be able to be joyful and not have to worry about what’s going to happen,” she continued.
But like many men Nick’s age, he’s a charmer. He likes girls, fantasizes about kissing them, and enjoys flirting. He enjoys showing off to the ladies by doing push-ups or even telling them that he shaves.
While Nick is doing great today, Shelly shares that she worries about him every single day. Unlike most 28-year-olds, even a mild common cold could potentially be much more dangerous for him. And, with Nick being considered “older” based on his life expectancy, Shelly and his family can’t fathom letting go of him so soon.
There is, though, much for Nick’s family to celebrate. His mother was told that he may never walk, talk, or even survive long after birth, but today, he’s a happy, goofy, and loving young adult. He loves partaking in snowball fights, singing karaoke, and cracking jokes. Everyone would agree that he’s the life of the party.
Meet Nick below. His joy is absolutely contagious!
