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A baby born with a rare condition that left part of his brain missing has defied all medical expectations and gone on to build an extraordinary life as a celebrated artist, and even skydived . Doctors told Connor Fogal's parents to prepare for the worst after scans revealed their newborn would likely never walk, talk, or live independently. Now 32 and living in Nevada against the odds, he’s proved the doctors and health professionals wrong in the most remarkable way. Just six months after his birth, a follow-up scan stunned medics when it showed that Connor’s brain had somehow developed fully, a transformation which his family still describes as “a miracle.” Three decades later, Connor, who lives with cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, has turned that miracle into a story of triumph, talent and determination. Known online as 'Mylow', the painter has become a viral sensation thanks to his incredible murals and uplifting outlook on life. One of his TikTok videos, showing him painstakingly painting a lion over 30 hours, has earned more than 1.7 million likes. He said: “It’s never been easy. But everything I’ve achieved, I’ve worked for." "My parents always told me perseverance matters more than anything — and that’s what keeps me going.” Growing up, Connor was determined not to be defined by his diagnosis. Using an electric wheelchair controlled by his left hand, he took on challenges that many able-bodied people would shy away from. Skiing became a particular passion, with the help of a modified device, he not only sped down snowy mountainsides but also launched off jumps with fearless flair. Skydiving followed, proof that he had no intention of letting his disability hold him back. "People expect you to stay in your box when you're disabled," he says. "But I've never been one for boxes." While sport gave him adrenaline, art gave him purpose. Connor has been painting for over 20 years, perfecting a style that combines landscapes, portraits, and bold, colourful designs. Using a head-mounted brush he controls with tiny movements of his neck and shoulders, Connor creates bold, detailed works that have transformed walls and communities across the US. He also donates part of his annual art calendar sales to local charities, determined to use his platform to give back. The artist continued: “I know what it’s like to feel limited. But I also know the freedom that comes from pushing past those limits. That’s what my art is all about.”
