Ray Kohn’s Journey: From Daredevil Stunts to Uncontrollable Growth and Back

Ray Kohn, a veteran 38-year-old stuntman known for his adrenaline-pumping car jumps, found himself in a life-altering battle. His daredevil lifestyle had always taken a toll on his body, with achy joints and knee pain becoming part of his routine. But in 2015, when he noticed a dull ache in his knees and elbows, he sensed his body might be rebellion against his extreme stunts. Little did he know, this was just the beginning of a dramatic transformation.

The Unexpected Twist

Over the next eight years, Kohn’s condition escalated. His entire body swelled up. Despite stringent diets and daily gyms sessions, he gained 115 pounds. His feet grew by two sizes, and his stunt helmet no longer fit. Shaking hands became an ordeal, earning him comments about shaking a brick wall.

Kohn, now 47, expressed his disbelief, saying, “I could see interviews of myself doing jumps from like, 2007, 2010, and I’m like, ‘I don’t even look like that anymore. I don’t sound like that. What’s going on?’

He admitted feeling like a freak amidst these bizarre changes.

A Misdiagnosis and a Breakthrough

In his quest for answers, Kohn consulted various doctors, who dismissed his symptoms. However, in 2023, a doctor noticed deep creases on his forehead, which prompted a blood test. The results revealed his human growth hormone levels were four times higher than normal.

An MRI scan later confirmed Kohn had a rare condition called acromegaly, caused by a tumor on his pituitary gland. This gland controls the body’s hormones, and when it malfunctions, it can lead to unchecked growth in the hands, feet, and face.

Mr Kohn, pictured here with the Dodge Charger he uses for stunts, told DailyMail.com he ‘felt like a freak’ as his body grew uncontrollably and his protective gear no longer fit

The Hidden Dangers of Acromegaly

Beyond the visible changes, acromegaly poses several internal health risks. Individuals with this condition often have elevated sodium levels, leading to fluid retention and increased blood pressure. This strain on the heart can lead to heart failure, heart attacks, and strokes. Additionally, an excess of growth hormone can elevate blood sugar levels, raising the risk of type 2 diabetes.

The Urgency of Treatment

Upon receiving his diagnosis, Kohn was referred to the Cleveland Clinic, where doctors warned him that removing the tumor was critical for his survival. “If we don’t get this tumor out of your head, it’s going to kill you,” they told him.

Kohn’s main concern, however, was his ability to continue his stunts. “Can I still jump cars?” he asked. In June 2023, Kohn underwent endoscopic endonasal surgery, a minimally invasive procedure that involves navigating a thin tube through the nose to reach the pituitary gland.

Mr Kohn is pictured above after his tumor removal

The Long Road to Recovery

Post-surgery, it took about three months for Kohn’s body to start shrinking, and he shed the excess weight. His blood pressure and glucose levels returned to normal. Kohn’s weight is now back to 220 pounds, his pre-growth phase weight. His hands, feet, and head have regained their former sizes.

However, the tumor left behind lingering effects. Kohn plans to undergo surgery to correct his jaw alignment and might require knee replacements due to joint pressure. Nonetheless, he remains optimistic.

Less than a year after surgery, Mr Kohn (pictured here in action) was back to stunt driving and even broke a record for longest jump

Mr Kohn, pictured here with his grandson, said: ‘I’m excited to watch [my grandson] grow. I can walk my daughter down the aisle. My wife and I can live a good life with each other’

A Return to Glory

Kohn’s passion for stuntwork reignites his spirit. Less than a year after surgery, he was back in the air, jumping his Dodge Charger in front of packed stadiums. In August 2024, he broke a record for the longest jump, achieving an impressive 217 feet.

Reflecting on his ordeal, Kohn said, “People love those old, iconic TV shows and movies from the 70s and 80s, and I’m the only one on the face of the planet that brings back those iconic stunts that we all grew up with. Because of what the doctors have done for me, I get to make other people’s dreams come true. It’s a great feeling that I was part of something that special in their lives, and I can only do that if I’m alive.”

Conclusion

Kohn’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and the importance of timely medical intervention. his battle with acromegaly was not just a fight against an unseen tumor but a personal journey towards reclaiming his life. As he continues to pursue his dream of thrilling audiences, Kohn’s story offers hope and inspiration to others facing similar challenges.

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