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Noah Wall from Carlisle, Cumbria, was born with just two percent of his brain in 2012. Doctor gave his parents the most devastating news imaginable. Their newborn son had almost no chance of survival. If he lived, they were told he would never communicate or move. His parents were told to prepare for the worst and faced an impossible decision. But Noah had other plans.
A Terrifying Diagnosis
During pregnancy, Michelle and Rob Wall learned that their unborn son had spina bifida, a condition where the spine doesn’t develop properly. Early scans showed Noah would be paralyzed from the chest down. A porencephalic cyst was destroying his developing brain. Doctors believed he might be missing a quarter of his brain at birth. The situation grew worse with each appointment.
Multiple Rare Conditions
Noah faced a combination of life-threatening conditions. He developed hydrocephalus, where fluid accumulates dangerously in the brain. Doctors feared he might also have Edwards’ syndrome and Patau’s syndrome. These rare genetic disorders typically result in death within the first year. A do-not-resuscitate order was placed on Noah. His chances of survival seemed impossible to medical professionals.
An Impossible Choice
Michelle and Rob were asked five times to terminate the pregnancy. The couple had to make an agonizing decision about their son’s future. They chose to give Noah a chance at life despite medical advice. Michelle recalls the emotional turmoil of those months. They prepared for the worst while hoping for the best. The family even selected a coffin and began funeral arrangements.
Staying Positive Through Darkness
Michelle describes the difficult pregnancy journey with raw honesty. The couple didn’t want to believe the grim predictions doctors provided. However, they understood the reality they faced. They had to tell their family they might bury their baby. Despite the horrendous situation, Michelle says they always tried to stay positive. Their determination would prove crucial for Noah’s future.
A Life-Affirming Scream
Noah was born on March 6, 2012, weighing nine pounds, seven ounces. He shocked everyone by breathing on his own immediately. Michelle burst into tears when Noah took his first scream. That single cry indicated her son had a fighting chance. Doctors had expected him to die within minutes. Instead, Noah announced his arrival to the world with strength and determination.
The Shocking MRI Results
An MRI scan shortly after birth revealed stunning news. Noah was actually born with just two percent of his physical brain. This was far worse than doctors had anticipated. A thin layer of brain tissue existed only at the front of his head. The porencephalic cyst had destroyed most of his developing brain. Medical staff prepared his parents for a vegetative state existence.
Emergency Surgery and Recovery
At seven weeks old, Noah underwent critical surgery. Surgeons installed a shunt in his head with a tube draining fluid to his abdomen. The operation closed the opening in his back from spina bifida. Noah would need this shunt permanently to manage hydrocephalus. He faced emergency hospital trips when an infection developed in his brain fluid. Antibiotics failed initially, requiring doctors to perform a complete brain washout.
The Miracle Begins
Within three years, Noah’s brain remarkably grew from two percent to 80 percent. Scientists believe his brain tissue was compressed rather than absent. The shunt allowed room for his brain to expand properly. Noah began responding to environmental cues in ways doctors couldn’t explain. He could see, hear, and communicate despite missing crucial brain regions. Medical professionals struggled to understand his incredible recovery.
Defying Every Prediction
Doctors told Michelle that Noah would remain in a vegetative state. They said he wouldn’t be able to communicate, speak, hear, or eat. Today, Noah reads, does mathematics, and loves science. He can tell time and discuss the solar system enthusiastically. His mother describes his knowledge as incredible and his dreams as extraordinary. Noah impresses his family daily with new accomplishments and understanding.
Life in a Wheelchair
Noah uses a wheelchair full-time due to spinal cord damage. The brain-spinal connection wasn’t regenerated despite his brain growth. He underwent surgery in 2021 to straighten his leg. The procedure was part of working toward his dream of walking. Noah remains determined to achieve this seemingly impossible goal. His parents support every effort he makes toward independence.
Dreams of Running
Noah harbors big dreams for his future despite physical limitations. He hopes to run and score a goal on a professional football field. After visiting Newcastle stadium, he walked on the grass and felt amazed. He believes one day he will run across that field. Noah also dreams of falling in love and having children. His optimism and determination inspire everyone who meets him.
Performing on Big Stages
In April 2024, 12-year-old Noah performed at the Royal Albert Hall. He sang with The Music Man Project, a charity supporting disabled performers. Noah has performed twice at the Royal Albert Hall and twice at the London Palladium. He met musical theatre legend Michael Ball during the latest performance. Noah and his group hold a world record for playing the most triangles simultaneously.
A Lifetime of Surgeries
Noah has undergone 11 major surgeries throughout his young life. He faces a lifetime of additional operations and medical procedures. Tests and treatments will continue as he grows and develops. His shunt requires monitoring and may need replacement multiple times. Despite medical challenges, Noah maintains his positive spirit. His family remains hopeful he will fulfill his ambitious dreams.
Advocacy and Inspiration
Michelle became Noah’s full-time caregiver while championing disability awareness. She and Noah visit schools to teach about disabilities and wheelchair safety. They’ve shared Noah’s story with news channels worldwide. The family receives messages from parents facing similar diagnoses. Michelle helps these families by sharing experiences and offering support. They’ve built lasting friendships with families around the world.
Supporting Important Causes
Noah serves as a patron for Variety, a children’s charity. The organization works with disabled, sick, and disadvantaged children. Variety funded Noah’s wheelchair to support his mobility needs. Noah also represents The Music Man Project as an ambassador. He demonstrates that disabilities don’t limit artistic expression or achievement. His advocacy work reaches thousands of families and supporters globally.
Scientific Mystery
Researchers continue studying Noah’s remarkable case. Scientists presented his story at international neuroscience conferences. His recovery challenges understanding of brain development and adaptation. Experts theorize about how his brain compensated for missing regions. Noah’s case raises questions about neuroplasticity and brain growth. Medical professionals hope his story advances research for similar conditions.
Becoming a Teenager
Noah celebrated his 13th birthday on March 6, 2025. His family hosts virtual parties each year so supporters worldwide can celebrate. Michelle says birthdays are emotional reminders of how far they’ve come. Each year highlights Noah’s extraordinary progress and resilience. The family reflects on the journey from those dark pregnancy days.
A Message of Hope
Noah’s journey from 2% brain function to a thriving teenager offers hope. His mother expresses immense pride in her extraordinary son. Michelle says Noah impresses her daily with his intelligence and determination. She remains committed to helping him achieve his running goal. The family’s decision to give Noah a chance changed countless lives. Their story reminds us that medical predictions aren’t always destiny.
Looking to the Future
Noah has defied every medical prediction. Now, his brain has grown to 80%, and he continues growing, learning, and inspiring others worldwide. He dreams of becoming an astronaut and exploring space. His intelligence and curiosity drive him to learn constantly. The teenager who wasn’t supposed to survive now thrives. His remarkable recovery stands as a testament to the human brain’s incredible resilience and adaptability.