The 27-year-old Kosen measures a staggering 8 feet, 1 inch tall. The part-time farmer, who uses crutches to stand, filmed the documentary, "World's Tallest Man and Still Growing" as a way to raise awareness about his condition. He is featured prominently in the Guinness World Records 2011 edition.
Born and raised near Mardin, Turkey, Kosen’s growth was normal as a child until age 10, when he was diagnosed with pituitary gigantism after doctors discovered a tumor behind his eyes. The tumor was putting excess pressure on his pituitary gland, triggering the overproduction of growth hormones.
After seeing the Kosen documentary, Johnson’s wife, Christa, was moved by his story. “He has such a sweet spirit and has been through so much physically, emotionally and socially,” she said in a statement. “I immediately felt the need to help him in some way.”
Dr. Johnson was just as excited as Christa when hearing of Kosen and agreed to become involved by giving him a full smile makeover. The Johnsons reached out to Guinness World Records and Kosen’s contacts to begin discussing logistics for the makeover.
“Kosen has had very limited dental care in his village in Turkey. We want to give him a brighter smile while restoring his overall oral health,” said Dr. Johnson, also in a statement. “I am assembling a team of the finest specialists in Orange County, including oral surgeons, periodontists, endodontists, laboratories, EMT, and my own clinical team. Treating him will require us to think outside the box.”
Kosen said in the statement that his dreams include having a wife and family. “I feel privileged for the opportunity to help give him the confidence he wants to go after these dreams,” Dr. Johnson said.
See www.drericjohnson.com for more information.
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