Like most six-year-old boys, Jonathon Connolly loves running around, playing with his friends and participating in many other activities typical of young boys.
But for Jonathon, even the most common playtime activities can prove to be extremely harmful. He is one of only about 12,000 people in the United States who suffer from a rare skin condition called Epidermolysis Bullosa, or EB.
EB is caused by a genetic defect that fails to keep the first and second layer of skin from peeling off upon contact. The slightest bump or even his clothes rubbing against his skin can result in serious burn-like wounds.
"It's the worst thing a parent could ever see...all of their children's skin coming off and there's nothing you can do about it," Jonathon's mom, Whitney, told INSIDE EDITION.
Jonathon's parents say that they refuse to let him live in a bubble, so he attends grade school in Haverhill, Mass. On any given day, Jonathon will make 5 or 6 visits to the school nurse, and his teacher always has bandages handy.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for EB, but Whitney prays every night that there will be one soon. Despite this, Jonathon dreams of being a cop or a fireman one day, and Whitney says his strength already makes him her little hero.
"He is the bravest, strongest boy I could ever meet," she says.