Some stories stick with you for life. Nathaniel Newman’s story is one of them — not because it’s sugar-coated or overly dramatic, but because it’s real. Raw, challenging, and yet so full of hope you can’t help but feel inspired when you hear what he and his family have faced together. Born with Treacher Collins Syndrome (TCS), Nathaniel has spent his whole life rewriting what it means to live boldly, face judgment head-on, and keep moving forward no matter what.
A Surprising Beginning
Nathaniel’s life began like many other birth stories — filled with excitement, long labor, and exhausted parents dreaming of that perfect first moment. But for Magda and Russel Newman, that moment wasn’t what they imagined. After 17 hours, they met their baby boy, only to realize instantly that something was very different.
Instead of a textbook birth photo moment, they were thrown into worry and confusion. Doctors acted quickly — Nathaniel was rushed to the NICU. It didn’t take long for them to learn he had Treacher Collins Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects the bones and tissues of the face and jaw. For first-time parents, it was a shock that came with more questions than answers.
Facing Reality
Imagine this: you’ve just become parents, and instead of planning cute baby outfits and photo shoots, you’re researching surgeries, breathing tubes, and feeding options. That’s what the Newmans were up against. Just six weeks after birth, Nathaniel needed a tracheostomy to help him breathe — the first of what would be nearly 70 surgeries.
But here’s where Nathaniel’s story flips from heavy to heroic. While many would expect the endless hospital visits to break a family apart, for the Newmans, it did the opposite. Every setback brought them closer, tougher, and more determined to give Nathaniel the best life possible.
Growing Up With TCS
One of the most incredible parts of Nathaniel’s story is that while his face looked different, his mind and spirit were sharp, funny, and curious like any other kid’s. He just happened to live life with extra challenges — speaking, eating, breathing, even hearing — all were affected by TCS.
School wasn’t always easy. Kids stare. Some whisper. Some point. But Nathaniel learned early that his worth was bigger than what people saw. Much of that strength came from knowing his parents and his younger brother, Jacob, always had his back. Jacob, in many ways, became his bodyguard and best friend rolled into one.
The Big Breakthrough
Years of surgeries and hospital stays finally brought Nathaniel to a turning point. In 2016, when he was 13, he underwent a life-changing surgery called subcranial rotation distraction. Sounds complicated because it is — basically, it repositioned parts of his facial structure so he could breathe properly without a trach tube.
The surgery was led by Dr. Richard Hopper at Seattle Children’s Craniofacial Center, one of the top experts in the field. And it worked. By January 2017, Nathaniel no longer needed the tracheostomy that had been a part of him his entire life. For the first time, he could breathe, sleep, and even talk a bit easier — simple things most people never think twice about.
How “Wonder” Changed Everything
Right around this turning point came another moment that shows just how perfectly timed life can be. The movie “Wonder” hit theaters in 2017. If you haven’t seen it, it’s about a boy named Auggie with a facial difference who faces the ups and downs of fitting in. For Nathaniel, it felt like his story was on the big screen for the world to see.
The movie didn’t fix all the challenges. But it made it easier for his classmates and teachers to understand what life is like for kids like him. Suddenly, instead of awkward stares, there were questions, conversations, and real connections. It opened a door to acceptance that made Nathaniel’s day-to-day life just a bit easier.
Family: The True Superpower
When people look at Nathaniel’s surgeries and achievements, they see strength. But ask him, and he’d tell you the real power came from his family. His mom, Magda, is a force of nature — balancing Nathaniel’s medical needs while facing her own health struggles at times. His dad, Russel, has been a constant rock. And Jacob? He’s proof that a little brother can be your biggest hero.
The Newmans didn’t hide Nathaniel from the world or shield him in silence. They chose to share his story, hoping it would open minds and hearts.
Sharing Their Truth
Magda turned their family’s experiences into words — writing “Normal: A Mother and Her Beautiful Son.” Nathaniel followed with his own take, “Normal: One Kid’s Extraordinary Journey.” These books don’t pretend life has been easy. They talk about the surgeries, the stares, the fear — and the triumphs, too.
Their message is clear: normal isn’t about fitting into a box. It’s about living your truth, loving your people, and seeing beauty in what makes us different.
Life Today: Full Of Action And Joy
These days, Nathaniel lives like any teen with big dreams. He’s into tae kwon do, which isn’t just fun — it makes him strong, gives him confidence, and proves that a body can do amazing things no matter what it looks like. He loves building Lego sets and exploring Minecraft worlds — creativity is his playground.
But maybe the best part is that his daily life isn’t defined by doctor visits anymore. Sure, he still manages his condition, but he also just lives. School, hobbies, time with family — the simple stuff that, for him, is a victory.
Spreading Kindness And Courage
Nathaniel doesn’t just focus on himself. He wants the world to be kinder for everyone who looks or feels different. He talks openly about how small acts of understanding can change someone’s whole day. His message is simple: when you meet someone who’s different, treat them with respect. Smile. Ask questions instead of staring. Kindness costs nothing but means everything.
What Nathaniel Teaches Us All
Nathaniel’s story is more than medical terms and surgeries — it’s about choosing hope over fear, love over pity, and strength over giving up. It’s a reminder that our biggest challenges don’t have to shrink our dreams. And that when family, community, and personal courage come together, there’s no limit to what’s possible.
So next time you see someone who doesn’t look like you, think of Nathaniel. See the person, not the condition. See the strength, not the difference. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll help make the world a bit gentler for the next kid like him.
Because everyone deserves a life full of adventure, laughter, and the chance to be seen for who they really are — just like Nathaniel Newman.