Astounding Medical Mysteries

Trying to be an average kid in a body much larger than most adults isn't easy—and one of Brenden's biggest challenges is finding clothes that fit. "I don't have very many things because it's hard to find things," he says. "I have to have them custom-made because they don't fit."

Someone who can relate is basketball giant Shaquille O'Neal, who Brenden says is one of his heroes. "That's because I can look at him at eye level," Brenden jokes. After hearing Brenden's story, Shaq sent a gigantic gift for Brenden—a pair of his massive basketball shoes!

Along with the shoes, Shaq joins via satellite to tell Brenden about a few more surprises, starting with a flight to Phoenix for a Suns basketball game and hang time. "We'll ride around, ride in the car, go shopping, go to the mall. We'll just have fun because I'm 12 years old also," he jokes.

As someone who understands the challenges of being tall, Shaq wants to give Brenden another gift. "I have a tailor, and he's going to make you a lot of outfits, and I have a lot of stuff that I'm going to send to you," Shaq says. "You can now consider me your best friend. I've gotcha, baby."

When Shaq was Brenden's age, he says his height came with shyness. "But once I got to the age of 16 and 17 years old, I just said to myself, 'Be sexy. Shoulders up. Head high.' So that's my advice to you, Brenden. Just be tall. Be beautiful."