After Being Bullied For His 'Big Ears', Mom And Dad Of 6-Year-Old Boy Grant Wish For Surgery

After Being Bullied For His 'Big Ears', Mom And Dad Of 6-Year-Old Boy Grant Wish For Surgery

Being a kid is supposed to be the most care-free time in anyone’s life. It’s when you are supposed to play with friends, learn exciting lessons and generally have fun. Mean kids and bullies can make this hard, however.

Unfortunately, bullying comes in all forms. Whether it is cyberbullying, name-calling, physical bullying, or emotional bullying, it can have a drastic effect on a child’s self-esteem.

Youtube screenshot/Inside Edition Source: Youtube screenshot/Inside Edition

This is the story of a 6-year-old boy who had to put up with bullying because of the size of his ears.

It certainly isn’t fair. Nobody should be made to feel bad about something that is beyond their control. It’s every parent’s worst nightmare to hear that their child is being bullied at school as well.

Youtube screenshot/Inside Edition Source: Youtube screenshot/Inside Edition

6-year-old Gage is from Salt Lake City Utah and had originally been really excited to start the 1st Grade. The excitement he had dissipated when Gage started to get bullied at school, however.

Gage’s ears stuck out more than usual and the other kids at his school teased him for this.

Youtube screenshot/Inside Edition Source: Youtube screenshot/Inside Edition

Gage was called “Elf Ears” and other names.

It’s this kind of teasing that can have impacts on a child’s self-esteem throughout their life.

His parents, Tim and Kallie Berger were heartbroken to find out their son Gage was being bullied and they told this to the TV show, Inside Edition.

Youtube screenshot/Inside Edition Source: Youtube screenshot/Inside Edition

Gage would come home from school feeling sad and saying he wanted to change how he looks.

At only 6-years-old, Gage would stand in front of the mirror and hold his ears back to see how he’d look if they didn’t stick out so much. We only wish somebody had told him that it doesn’t matter if they do and those kids at school will one day wish they had been nicer.

Youtube screenshot/Inside Edition Source: Youtube screenshot/Inside Edition

Gage’s parents saw that all the teasing was having an impact on Gage.

As much as they said his ears were fine the way they were, the teasing he was getting at school was too much for all of them. The family decided to have a consultation with a plastic surgeon named Steven Mobley, who specializes in osteoplasty.

Gage wanted to do whatever was possible to change how he looked so that he wouldn’t get teased. So, the family decided to go through with the surgery.

Gage was nervous to get the surgery, and we’re sure his parents were too. He brought his toy tiger with him and said that they were getting ear surgery too.

Youtube screenshot/Inside Edition Source: Youtube screenshot/Inside Edition

When the surgery was over, Gage couldn’t wait to see his new ears.

The bandages were unwrapped like he was opening a new toy he’d gotten for his birthday. Gage was thrilled with what he saw when the surgeon handed him a mirror. A huge smile came over his face.

“Oh my gosh!”

Youtube screenshot/Inside Edition Source: Youtube screenshot/Inside Edition

Gage’s huge smile must have warmed the hearts of both his parents and his surgeon. We know it warmed ours!

Immediately, it appeared Gage felt more confident. He’d never be called “elf ears” ever again. This will help Gage feel good about himself, as he deserves to.

Gage loves who he sees staring back at him in the mirror!

It shouldn’t be the case that people are teased for things beyond their control. That’s something we should all work to prevent from happening. In this case, however, a skilled surgeon found a way to stop a young boy from being teased and help him feel good about himself. That’s something to feel good about.

Youtube screenshot/Inside Edition Source: Youtube screenshot/Inside Edition

Gage can now have a fresh start and feel excited about going back to school again!

We are so thrilled that Gage is feeling great about himself again. We’re certain his parents are feeling better now as well.

Learn more about Gage and his parent’s decision to move through with the surgery in the video below.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: Inside Edition

Back to blog