Mark Davidson Jacildo, a father living with an extremely rare condition that has caused his hands to grow to an extraordinary size has opened up about the questions and assumptions he faces every day.
Mark Davidson Jacildo, from the Philippines, was born with macrodactyly, a rare congenital condition that causes excessive growth of one or more fingers or toes.
For Mark, the condition has dramatically affected both of his hands. His left hand reportedly weighs around 7 kilograms, or more than 15 pounds, while his right hand weighs approximately 2 kilograms.
“It’s like having a rock in your hands,” Mark said while appearing on TLC’s Most Extreme Humans.
‘People think I need someone to take care of me’
Growing up, Mark had to learn how to manage everyday tasks differently. He recalled struggling with things such as tying his shoelaces at school, while activities like preparing food can also require extra effort.
His appearance has also made him the target of cruel online comments, with some trolls comparing him to the Incredible Hulk.
But one of the biggest misconceptions, Mark says, concerns his relationship and his role as a father. He met his girlfriend, Jelai, on Facebook around four years ago.
Jelai admitted that when she first saw photographs of Mark, she wasn’t sure whether they were real.
But she said she quickly became attracted to him and fell in love with him. Mark said one of the things he appreciated most was that she didn’t immediately bombard him with questions about his condition.
Online trolls question wife’s motives
The couple have also faced comments from people questioning Jelai’s reasons for being with him.
Some have claimed she must be in the relationship because of Mark’s money. His response to that particular accusation was simple: he says he doesn’t actually have very much money.
But other comments bother him more.
Mark said some people assume his condition means he cannot properly care for his daughter or support his family.
Others believe Jelai must spend her time looking after him.
“In reality, I’m the one taking care of her all the time,” Mark explained.
He said people often imagine he has a full-time caregiver who helps him get dressed or even eat.
But according to Mark, he manages most things himself with Jelai mostly helping him with putting in his earrings.
What is macrodactyly?
Macrodactyly can cause a range of complications, including pain, stiffness and limited movement. Treatment can also be complicated, with surgery for severe cases presenting major challenges.
Mark, however, has focused on adapting to life with the condition rather than allowing it to define him.
“I’m just a dad making sure that I provide for my family, going to work, hanging out with my friends,” he said.
“Just a normal guy.”
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