Help Luna Have A Normal Life!

Hi there, I’m Luna Fenner and I really need your help.

I was born with a rare skin condition called Congenital Melanotic Nevus, which affects only 1.5% of the world’s population. This means I have a large dark patch of skin, which is made up of melanocytes.

From the moment I was born, this patch was very noticeable and quite a surprise for everyone, especially my mom and dad.

What is Congenital Melanotic Nevus?

Congenital Melanotic Nevus is a skin condition characterized by an abnormally dark skin patch (a nevus) that's composed of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. It is present from birth (congenital) or is noticeable soon after birth. 

In my case, the nevus was noticeable when I was born. My mom and the doctors were shocked because they weren’t expecting it at all. Also, the doctors weren’t even sure what the dark patch was until 4 days after I was born. Through my mom’s extensive research and all the doctor’s tests, they discovered that I had nevus.

But…

The sad part is that babies with giant congenital melanocytic nevus have an increased risk of developing an aggressive form of skin cancer called melanoma. This is a rare disease that affects only 1.5% of the world population. 

The Painful Side Of Having A Rare Disease...

On top of that, people like me with large moles get more than their fair share of looks, stares, whispers, and finger-pointing. It is heartbreaking for my parents and it can have a devastating effect on me as I grow up. I need your help because I want to be a normal kid and have a normal life. I hope this doesn’t sound like a lot to ask.

There is no cure for Nevus and there’s no magic treatment. The best option is the Nevus removal through surgeries. A bunch of surgeries, actually.

After consulting with the best doctors and weighing the psychological impacts and health issues, my parents decided to start the surgeries asap, since the babies skin recovery much faster than an adult. We’re not sure how many surgeries I need. Everything will depend of the doctor. But at least 6 surgeries will be needed.

The first round of procedures were made in Russia because their approach was less agressive and it was focused more in the nevus removal.

The total time for all the procedures was 3 years and the total cost was $70K and were mostly paid with your donations. And for that I'm super grateful. Thanks to all of your donations I was able to remove more than 50% of the nevus.

But... unfortunately the war in Russia stopped my treatment and my parents had to flee to the U.S.

Here's a picture of me after the first 2 years of procedures:

The next step is to do four rounds of surgeries to:

.Finish removing the nevus on my face and parts of my body

.Correct the scars that made my skin rigid and it began to interfere with my facial mobility

.Correct one of my left eye, which is not closing entirely during my sleep

So, now, I'm back in Russia with my parents to get started for another 4 surgeries to finish removing the nevus and improve my skin scars so I can have a normal life.

The Bright Side Is That I Was Blessed With Loving Parents...

God blessed me with loving and caring parents who have worked hard to give me the best possible life. Since I was born, my mom and dad have worked tirelessly to ensure that I felt loved and supported. They also want me to live a normal life, just like every other kid my age.

How Can You Help Me?

Each surgery will cost around $25.000 and I need to do 4 surgeries.

Here's a description of all the costs:

.$11.000 Doctor Olga from @nevus_net (hospital costs included, anesthesia, balloon expanders, and bandages changing)

.$6.000 ($2000 Roundtrip Flight Tickets per person, Itinerary US> Turkey>Russia 3 people (My mom, my Dad, and me)

.$4000 Accommodations for 3 months during the surgery

.$3000 Food expenses for 3 months

.$1700 - Internet, Phone, Local Transportation for 3 months

.$300 Medications antibiotics + Vitamins for Luna (Pre and Pos Operations)

The first surgery is in April 2024, now I'm recovering and doing the post treatments.

The next ones will be in Dec 2024, April 2025, Dec 2025.

And this is me after implanting all the balon expanders and the surgical procedures. I was practicing my ballet moves so when I finish the procedures I can go back to my home in Florida and dance again.

One thing about me is that I'm always happy and grateful for my life. I know it's been a crazy journey, but I know life is beautiful on the other side.

If you like my story and you can support me in this journey to a normal life, please make a donation. Every dollar counts.

Thanks for stopping by, and have a beautiful day.

If you want to join me, and get updates about my daily life, here's my Instagram: [email redacted]e.hope.