A Horrifying Affliction Cost Him Everything

A Horrifying Affliction Cost Him Everything — The extraordinary and tragic true story of Dede Koswara, the Indonesian man known worldwide as the Tree Man, whose rare medical condition caused enormous, bark-like growths to cover his hands and feet. In this documentary, we uncover the medical mystery behind Tree Man Syndrome (epidermodysplasia verruciformis), the devastating effects of the human papillomavirus (HPV), and Dede's struggle with one of the most extreme cases of abnormal skin growth ever documented. From his remarkable surgeries to his heartbreaking final years, discover the human story behind a condition that shocked doctors and fascinated the world. The Human Exception explores extraordinary people, rare diseases, unusual medical conditions, extreme human anatomy and remarkable true stories from around the world. SOURCES & REFERENCES • Los Angeles Times (2010) — Indonesia's Tree Man, John M. Glionna • ABC News (2008) — Can 'Tree Man' Be Saved? • ABC News (2008) — Bark-Like Skin Getting Better on 'Tree Man' • ABC News Australia / Reuters (2008) — 'Tree Man' Faces New Operations • Wellcome Collection (2009) — Tree Man: The Cure ARCHIVAL FOOTAGE CREDITS • ABC News • Discovery UK • Discovery Health #documentary #truestory #medicalmystery #rarediseases #humanbody