Black & Blue... and Polka Dotted

From the moment I saw her, I knew something was different about her leg, even though no one else seemed to notice and everyone dismissed my concerns.  At one of Ava's monthly check-ups, our pediatrician informed us that Ava had a Port Wine Stain Birthmark.  It didn't seem all that alarming at first, but after countless hours of googling, I quickly realized that my beautiful baby girl would have a difficult medical road ahead of her.

Ava was born with a rare venual malformation reaching from the her pelvic bone to the bottom of her right foot.  Our pediatrician referred us to a specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.  After countless denials from my insurance company, I reached out to the Vascular Birthmark Foundation for help.  A year and a half later, my final appeal was approved.  We took Ava to the Vascular Birthmark Foundation Annual Conference at NYU this past October, where we had the amazing opportunity to meet with the leading experts in this field.  In addition to the Port Wine Stain, they diagnosed Ava with a rare form of Klippel Trenaunay Syndrome.  Although it is typically associated with hypertrophy of the affected extremity, Ava's leg is instead smaller (atrophy) than her normal leg. Even though this was very difficult to hear, the specialist assured us that Ava's case was mild.  Praise God!  

Ava's doctor's estimated that she would require 6-12 laser treatments to prevent the thickening and cobbling of the skin, associated with the Port Wine Stain.  Each treatment would require general anesthesia and cause impressive bruising of her leg, along with associated risks.  She had her first treatment last week and as you can see, she is recovering quite nicely.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you all for your continued prayers and support.