Boy Born Without A Brain Amazingly Lives Until Age 12

A boy who entered the world without a brain managed to survive for an incredible 12 years, despite his heartbreaking condition. His journey was nothing short of a miracle and defied all medical expectations.

Trevor Judge Waltrip was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 2001 under extremely frightening circumstances. Doctors quickly realized something was very wrong.

He was diagnosed with a rare and severe medical condition that meant the cerebral hemispheres of his brain never developed, leaving a huge part of the organ missing.

This condition, known as hydranencephaly, is a devastating congenital disorder that left Trevor with only his brain stem. The brain stem was the part that allowed him to breathe on his own, keep his heart beating, and feel and respond to physical touch. However, he could not speak or see.

Even so, Trevor reached his first birthday, something doctors had thought was nearly impossible. They described him as 'unique' for surviving against such overwhelming odds.

At birth, medical experts believed he would survive no longer than 12 weeks, yet he proved them wrong and lived for 12 whole years.

Trevor’s life was extended thanks to the unwavering care from his family. They used a feeding tube so he could receive proper nourishment every day.

On top of that, his doctors and therapists worked regularly with him, providing physical therapy to keep his muscles active and his joints from stiffening.

Trevor Judge Waltrip lived without a brain until he died at the age of 12 KSLA

Despite all his limitations, Trevor’s mom, Elizabeth, said he stayed 'so alert' and didn’t like 'to be alone.' She would often say that he could pick up on the emotions of those around him.

"He'll sense that too." she told KSLA News 12 in 2014.

By 2005, she shared that Trevor was doing remarkably well, even putting on healthy weight as the years went by.

Elizabeth proudly noted that Trevor had grown 15 teeth, saying: "He does bite, so he does know what he's doing."

She also expressed her deep faith and gratitude, saying: "I look at it like he's here for a reason and I thank God everyday for it."

Trevor passed away on August 25, 2014. During his short but inspiring life, he was a beloved member of the Shreveport Baptist Temple.

"He was loved by all who met him and full of life and personality." his obituary from that year read.

"He will be missed by all. He is survived by his mother Elizabeth Potter and her husband, Eric Potter, Sr.; father, Kevin E. Addie; sisters, Haley Pate, Dallas Waltrip, Abigail Potter; brothers, Joshua Waltrip, Eric Potter, Jr."

After his passing, Elizabeth found comfort in joining a support group for parents whose babies had similar conditions to Trevor’s.

Trevor's surviving brain stem meant he could live a longer life than expected KSLA

"Just to know about other babies out there like this because I thought I was the only one. It's really... I feel much better." she said at the time, explaining how the community helped her feel less alone in her grief.

In response to his obituary, one person wrote a heartfelt comment: "I just read Trevor's story in a news column. I was very touched."

"I never met him, but his story touched my soul." they added, showing just how far Trevor’s story reached and touched others.

"To the family, we would like to send our condolences for the loss of your precious little one." someone else said, sending love and sympathy to his family during such a difficult time.